Saudi-Led Arabs Push Plan for Palestine State as War Rages

  • Alliance has put together proposal for post-war Palestine
  • Israel seen as unlikely to shift stance closer to compromise

Palestinians search the rubble following an airstrike in Gaza.

Photographer: Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg
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A Saudi-led group of Arab states is urging the US and allies to persuade Israel to consider a renewed plan for Palestinian statehood that they say will de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, according to several Arab officials involved in drafting the proposal.

While there are myriad obstacles to overcome — not least the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas — the alliance that includes Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates sees a potential cease-fire in the conflict becoming permanent and paving the way for fresh talks, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive matters.