Trump's Deal of Century 'to recognise illegal settlements' as Israeli

Trump's so-called Deal of the Century will recognise Israeli's sovereignty over illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, an Israeli TV news station has allleged.

According to Israel’s Chanel 12, US President Donald Trump will endorse the annexation of settlements on occupied Palestinian land.

The White House refused to comment on whether the reports are true, but the Trump administration thus far has been favourable of illegal settlements, with one to be named after him in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

The US has said it will reveal its long-awaited deal after the Islamic holy month of Ramadan comes to an end in early June.

The plan was originally poised to be released earlier this year but was delayed after elections were called in Israel.

Palestinian leaders have already dismissed it, saying it is blatantly biased in favour of Israel.

Trump has been pushing a hard-line policy that favours Israel.

The US leader has recognised the divided city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital - something that was condemned by most countries in the world - while he also acknowledged Israel's illegal claims to the Syrian Golan Heights territories.

The peace plan - dubbed the "Deal of the Century" - is being developed by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, whose close ties to right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu have heightened Palestinian suspicions.

Although the plan's details remain secret, its broad outlines have gradually emerged.

In exchange for a massive infusion of aid and investment financed by wealthy Arab Gulf states, Palestinians would have to accept illegal Israeli settlements deep inside the West Bank.

Other alleged clauses include Israel’s permanent control over the Jordan Valley and a long-term Israeli military presence in the occupied West Bank.

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