Explaining the decision to re-engage with Trump after a first term that saw the US cut all aid to the Palestinians and shutter their diplomatic missions in Washington and Jerusalem, Ahmad Majdalani explained that Ramallah is “acting according to the political reality”
During their November call “Palestinian Authority PA President Mahmoud Abbas expressed a willingness to cooperate with President Trump and his new administration” said the senior member and faction leader within the Palestine Liberation Organization PLO — the international umbrella body representing Palestinians, which is also dominated by Abbas
Majdalani said,
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“We are ready today and tomorrow to positively cooperate with Mr. Trump and his administration, if he renounces and forgets his idea about taking over Gaza and expelling of its residents en masse”
Majdalani asserted,
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That readiness would dissipate completely if the US actually moved forward with the idea “We will defend our principles and our interests”
Pressed again on why the PA has maintained contacts with Washington, given that Trump has yet to back away from his Gaza takeover pitch, Majdalani said,
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the US has not actually begun implementing it, calling it “a proposal — not a plan”
