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

Mahmoud Abbas gestures as he speaks during the meeting of the Central Council of the PLO in Ramallah. Reuters

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

Palestinian protesters protect their faces from tear gas fired by Israeli troops. AFP

A Palestinian protester during clashes after protest near the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip. EPA

A protester wearing a mask hurls stones while others burn tyres near the fence of the border. AP Photo

Protesters watch fishing boats flee during a protest on the beach near Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip. AP Photo

Protesters run to take cover from teargas fired by Israeli troops. AP Photo

Protesters ride boats during clashes near the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip. EPA

Protesters silhouetted against the setting sun during clashes near the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip. EPA

Protesters during clashes near the border. EPA

A protester throw stones during clashes near the border. 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.

More to follow