RAMALLAH: Leaked details of a purported new Israeli peace plan show it to be "a reinvention of Israel’s occupation," a senior Palestinian official said on Tuesday.
Hanan Ashrawi, a leading member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, made the remarks after a report suggesting the international community could try to pressure Israel into unveiling a new peace initiative.
The report, in the Los Angeles Times, said the peacemaking Quartet — composed of the European Union, Russia, United States and United Nations — could try to pressure Israel by endorsing the creation of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with east Jerusalem as its capital.
The report comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering outlining a new peace proposal after months of stalemate in talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
But Ashrawi pointed out that the Quartet had made no statements recognizing a Palestinian state, and she said Quartet recognition would not be a substitute for United Nations recognition, which the Palestinians have pledged to seek.
She also ridiculed leaked details of an Israel peace initiative that is reportedly under consideration.
"Deliberate Israeli leaks of the so-called ‘Netanyahu initiative’ show it to be little more than a reinvention of Israel’s occupation as a system of annexation and control, rather than a genuine attempt to end the occupation and abide by international law and the requirements of peace," she said.
Israeli media reports have said the Israeli premier is considering several alternatives peace proposals, including an interim peace deal, or a partial withdrawal from the West Bank.
But the Palestinians have said they will not accept any temporary or partial agreement, calling instead for a comprehensive, negotiated settlement.
Talks between the two sides have been on hold since September 2010, after an Israeli settlement building ban expired.
The Palestinians have refused to hold talks while Israel builds on land they want for a future state, and have called for clear parameters to guide the talks towards a solution on the so-called final status issues.
"There will be no negotiations without a cessation of all settlement activities, without clear terms of reference in conformity with international law, and without a binding time line," Ashrawi said Tuesday.
