Palestinian leadership rejects Israeli annexation plans

On Sunday, a top advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that Palestinians rejected any annexation of the Jordan Valley and West Bank settlements by Israel.

"It's a principle issue," said Nabil Abu Rudeineh in a press conference.

"The Palestinian people have come a long way, the coming 10 days are dangerous and crucial," he added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to annex the Jordan valley and all of Israel's far-flung West Bank settlements, in line with US President Donald Trump's Middle East plan, which overwhelmingly favors Israel and has been rejected by the Palestinians.

The process could begin as soon as July 1.

Netanyahu has said Israel will annex the land but not the people who rely on it, telling an Israeli newspaper they will remain in an "enclave" under limited self-rule, with Israel maintaining security control.

Israel's annexation plans have sparked an international outcry, with European and Arab countries warning that it would violate international law and threaten any remaining hopes for a two-state solution.