Official: Shtayyeh will not return to negotiations team

Published yesterday (updated)

(MaanImages/file)

BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Palestinian negotiator Mohammad Shtayyeh will not return for future peace negotiation sessions with Israel, a Palestinian official said Thursday.

A Palestinian official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Ma'an that Shtayyeh will definitely not be returning to the negotiations team after resigning last week.

Another Palestine Liberation Organization official will replace Shtayyeh and join Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat in a negotiation session scheduled for next week, the official said.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has reportedly insisted on keeping Erekat on the negotiating team, but will be replacing other officials.

The entire negotiations delegation submitted its resignation to Abbas last Wednesday in protest of Israel's continued construction of illegal settlements.

Abbas said Monday that the PA is committed to continuing the peace talks for the full nine months agreed upon with Washington.