Palestine Asserts That a Gaza Settlement is Impossible in Isolation from the West Bank

30 October 2023

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh emphasized that the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict should take into account the situation not only in the Gaza Strip but also in the West Bank of the Jordan River.

 

He stated that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) is not prepared to "administer the affairs of Gaza without a political resolution for the West Bank." "I cannot accept this, and neither can our President, Mahmoud Abbas," - Shtayyeh told The Guardian. - "We demand a comprehensive peace vision." He underscored that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict can only be resolved through a two-state solution.


Shtayyeh emphasized that the current top priority for the PNA, which governs part of the West Bank, is to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. He also pointed out that Arab countries are primarily interested in resolving the conflict, acknowledging that "To be honest, the Arabs are weary of us. They want to see a resolution to the Palestinian issue because it makes them uncomfortable." However, Shtayyeh expressed doubt about the willingness of Western countries to work towards peace in the region.

 

He also questioned the possibility of reaching any agreements with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that "He does not view us as partners." Nevertheless, Shtayyeh acknowledged that the PNA finds itself in a difficult position, having to navigate between a confrontational Israeli government and West Bank residents who demand assistance for Gaza.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

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Based on materials from TASS