Palestinian official details Israel offer in talks

04 September 2013 - 21:15 By Sapa-AP
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The Shuafat refugee camp behind a section of the controversial Israeli barrier in the West Bank. Israeli and Palestinian negotiators this week met at the negotiating table for the first time in three years
The Shuafat refugee camp behind a section of the controversial Israeli barrier in the West Bank. Israeli and Palestinian negotiators this week met at the negotiating table for the first time in three years
Image: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS

A Palestinian official says Israel has proposed leaving intact dozens of Jewish settlements and military bases in the West Bank as part of a package to establish a Palestinian state with provisional borders.

The official gave the most detailed glimpse yet of the current round of peace talks, which recently restarted after a five-year break.

He said Wednesday that the Palestinians oppose the proposal. They fear any temporary arrangement with Israel will become permanent.

The Palestinians seek the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip, areas captured by Israel in 1967, for a future state.

The official, who has been briefed on the negotiations, spoke on condition of anonymity because the sides have pledged not to speak publicly about the talks.

Israeli officials declined comment.

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