Palestinian officials on Sunday threatened to withdraw from the 1993 Oslo Accords signed with Israel if US President Donald Trump announces his Middle East peace plan this week.
In a statement on Sunday, the Palestinian Authority's Foreign Ministry called for "a clear international declaration rejecting 'the deal of the century,'" further warning that it would endanger regional stability.
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The Palestinian factions called for a "day of rage" in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, to be held on Tuesday when Trump is slated to unveil the plan.
Ramallah has all but severed ties with Washington after Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital on Dec. 6, 2017. American officials have repeatedly tried to reach out to Abbas and his government but were repeatedly snubbed.
The Palestinians maintain that the Trump administration is "grossly biased" in Israel's favor. Abbas himself has gone on record as saying that he does not trust that the US can continue serving as an impartial mediator in the Middle East conflict.
While Trump invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main political rival Blue and White leader Benny Gantz to Washington to discuss the plan prior to unveiling it, a similar invitation was not extended to Abbas or any other Palestinian official, further straining the relations between the two.
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the Palestine Liberation Organization reserved the right "to withdraw from the interim agreement" with Israel if Trump goes ahead with the plan's rollout despite the PA's objections.
Erekat said the US deal was "an attempt to destroy the two states", and would "open the doors of one person one vote from the river Jordan to the Mediterranean".
If Netanyahu begins annexation of palestinian territory officially, this means Israel's withdrawal from Oslo accords and agreements signed . It is an attempt to destroy the two States.But it will open the doors of one person one vote from the river Jordan to the midditterraen.
— Dr. Saeb Erakat الدكتور صائب عريقات (@ErakatSaeb) January 26, 2020
Strongly critical of the plan, dubbed the "deal of the century," Erekat said that any deal or initiative that denies that Israel is an "occupying force ... will go down in history as the fraud of the century."
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the plan "will not pass" and warned that it may lead to renewed Palestinian hostilities.
"We firmly declare that the 'deal of the century' will not pass. The new plot aimed against Palestine is bound to fail," and could lead the Palestinians to a "new phase in their struggle" against Israel, Haniyeh said in a statement.
Various other Palestinian leaders reacted similarly to the announcement, including Fatah member Osama al-Qawasma, who condemned the plan outright.
In response to the PA's dismissal, Trump's former special envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt tweeted: "So very typical, rejecting something you haven't seen, unwilling to act rationally/professionally, unrealistic demands that won't happen, never thinking about Pals and improving lives. What a shame you act in this unprofessional way. Palestinians deserve SO much better!"
Moreover, what other leadership anywhere in the world would get away with this behavior? All counties should take notice of this and set expectations for rationale, reasonable & professional behavior from the Palestinian Authority! https://t.co/fwFsdyt6aw
— Jason D. Greenblatt (@GreenblattJD) January 26, 2020
"The PA should read the plan & realize it provides a path to a bright future for Palestinians if it's leadership actually leads. Time to take responsibility, stop hiding behind a rejectionist philosophy & work toward a promising future for all Palestinians," he continued.
"Moreover, what other leadership anywhere in the world would get away with this behavior? All counties should take notice of this and set expectations for rationale, reasonable & professional behavior from the Palestinian Authority!"
