PA Chairman Abbas after his return from the United Nations status upgrade bid. Photo: Screenshot.

Ynet – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed Monday the circumstances of the deal that was made with Israel in order to renew the peace talks between the two sides. Speaking to Fatah members in Ramallah, Abbas said that even before negotiations started, the US demanded that the Palestinians avoid lobbying in international institutions. Abbas said that initially, the Palestinian Authority refused this demand. Eventually, he said, the Americans formally committed to negotiations based on a two-state solution in accordance with the 1967 borders—which finally made him agree to the renewal of talks.

In addition to this commitment, Abbas confirmed for the first time that the PA agreed not turn to the international community only if 104 security prisoners will be released, to which Israel agreed. The PA will furthermore demand the release of another 250 prisoners. Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said Sunday that the second group of Palestinian prisoners may well be released by the end of September.

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