PLO to discuss talks with Israel

The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) is expected to meet in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah to discuss indirect ‘peace talks’ with Israel.

The meeting will be chaired by acting Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas, during which the group will decide on holding US-mediated talks with Israel.

Abbas earlier said Tel Aviv must choose between peace or illegal settlements.

Palestinians refuse to negotiate with Israel unless it ends settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The two sides agreed to hold indirect talks in March, but negotiations broke down when Tel Aviv spoke of the expansion of its illegal settlement activities via the planned construction of 1,600 settler units in East al-Quds (Jerusalem).

PLO officials have already called for an equitable framework from the international community to insure the success of ‘peace talks’ with Israel.

“To enhance the chances of success, it is imperative that the international community… provide clear references for talks, in light of Israeli violations,” said Ahmed Qurei, a member of PLO’s executive committee on May 4.

He further criticized Israel for frustrating peace efforts by refusing to implement its commitments to halt settlement building on occupied Palestinian land, including in East al-Quds.

Hamas, however, has condemned resumption of negotiations with Tel Aviv, arguing the move would only serve to facilitate further “Israeli violations” against Palestinians.