PLO votes to revoke recognition of Israel and suspend security co-operation

The Palestinian Liberation Organisation voted on Monday to revoke its recognition of Israel until it recognises a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.

Following a two-day meeting in Ramallah, the PLO’s Central Committee voted on Monday to revoke its recognition of Israel, and the validity of the Oslo Accords. It also voted to suspend security and economic co-operation with Israel, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

A statement at the closure of the two-day meeting said that in light of Israel’s “denial” of its obligations under agreements signed with the Palestinians, the PCC authorised the Palestine Liberation Organisation and the Palestinian Authority to “end their obligations... towards their agreements with the occupation authorities (Israel).”

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This included, the statement said, suspending recognition of the state of Israel until it recognises the state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, as well as halting security coordination in all forms.

This is not the first time that the organisation has discussed this eventuality. In January, the PLO threatened to revoke recognition after the US embassy in Israel was moved to Jerusalem.

Palestinian protesters during clashes after a protest near the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip. EPA

And in May, the Palestinian National Council, the legislative body of the PLO, adopted a resolution freezing recognition.

But the decision remains non-binding. It won't go into effect unless approved by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the PLO's executive committee.

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PLO votes to revoke recognition of Israel and suspend security co-operation

The decision is non-binding and would require Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas’ approval