Arab League rejects plan

CAIRO (Reuters) – The Arab League has unanimously backed the Palestinians in their opposition to US President Donald Trump’s peace plan on Saturday.

The ministers affirmed Palestinian rights to create a future state based on the land captured and occupied by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war, with east Jerusalem as capital, the final communique said. That war is known in Israel as the Six Day War.

Foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon, among others, said there could be no peace without recognizing Palestinian rights and a comprehensive solution.

After Trump unveiled his plan, some Arab

powers had appeared, despite historic support for the Palestinians, to prioritize close ties with the United States and a shared hostility towards Iran over traditional Arab alliances.

Three Gulf Arab states – Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates – attended the White House gathering where Trump announced his plan alongside Netanyahu.

A senior Trump administration official told The Jerusalem Post that the US is appreciative of the positive remarks from many Arab countries made with regard to the peace plan.

“It is only by having a willingness to try a new approach that we will make a breakthrough in a conflict that has left the Palestinian people to suffer for decades,” the official said. “Past Arab League resolutions have placated Palestinian leadership and not led to peace or progress and it is important to try a new approach or the Palestinian people’s fate will not change.” •