RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says the Palestinians are willing to end all historic claims against Israel once they get their state as part of a peace deal.
An end-of-claims declaration is a long-standing Israeli demand, and Abbas addressed the issue in an interview with Israel TV on Sunday. Negotiations were relaunched last month, but faltered over Israel’s refusal to extend a curb on settlement construction.
Abbas said negotiating with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains his preferred choice, but that he cannot return to talks unless settlement expansion stops. Abbas says other options remain on the table, including seeking U.N. recognition of a Palestinian state. He says resignation is not an option for now.
