West Bank Sheikhs Propose Leaving Palestinian Authority Recognizing Israel

A group of over 30 former British ambassadors and senior diplomats has urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to recognize the state of Palestine and call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law and reviving a two-state solution. Meanwhile, Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr. Tamer Almassri condemned Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank, describing the move as a violation of international law and a threat to Palestinian identity, urging the international community to act to prevent it. In contrast, five prominent Palestinian officials from the Hebron region have expressed willingness to leave the Palestinian Authority and join the Abraham Accords, recognizing Israel as a state and proposing the creation of an autonomous economic zone in the West Bank to foster coexistence and development. These sheikhs criticized the Palestinian Authority as ineffective and called on President Trump and the U.S. to support their initiative, envisioning Hebron becoming an economic hub similar to Gulf states like Dubai. This proposal highlights a significant division within Palestinian leadership regarding the path forward amid ongoing violence and occupation. The developments reflect diverging strategies within the Palestinian territories and international diplomatic efforts concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.