It is reported that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) has rejected a United States initiative for a peace summit as the Trump administration is working to jumpstart the peace process between Israel and the PA.

According to a report in the London-based al-Hayat newspaper, Egypt. Jordan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are willing to participate in such a summit, however the PA has rejected it. The report states that Abbas feels this is a ploy by the White House to bring the PA into what President Trump has called the “deal of the century”.

It is hinted the US plan calls for the creation of a Palestinian state in areas of Yehuda and Shomron, as well as Gaza, without defining clear borders. However, the plan does not declare eastern areas of Jerusalem the Palestinian capital and it does not address the so-called Palestinian refugee issue.

Last week, US envoys Jadon Greenblatt and Jared Kushner presented the US initiative, and Kushner is quoted telling al-Quds that while the US is working to bring the sides back to the negotiating table, it would not beg despite the administration’s willingness to work to bring the sides together. Kushner added the current administration respects the PA’s right to reject the plan as well.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)