Ramallah, Palestine - The Palestinian Authority is actively preparing for consultations with key Arab nations to formulate a comprehensive strategy for navigating the upcoming US political landscape. The move comes as the Palestinian leadership anticipates significant changes in US policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict under both the current and the incoming administration. Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, announced the consultations in a statement to Palestine TV on Tuesday. He stated that the discussions will focus on two distinct phases. The first phase, extending until January 20, 2025, when the current US administration is expected to conclude its term, will focus on "pushing strongly to end the war in Palestine and Lebanon and to recognize the Palestinian state."
The second phase, coinciding with the anticipated Republican control of the US government, will necessitate a "comprehensive political approach regarding both the Gaza Strip and the future of the Palestinian cause." Al-Sheikh highlighted the importance of a joint Arab initiative to be presented to the US and the international community, hoping to achieve this goal swiftly. He also underscored that the Palestinian Authority is actively engaging with the current US administration on multiple levels. The announcement comes amidst growing uncertainty regarding US policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly with the impending transition to a new administration. The Palestinian leadership's decision to seek Arab consultations underscores the critical role these regional partnerships play in navigating the complex political landscape and formulating a unified strategy for achieving Palestinian national aspirations.
