US to announce ‘deal of the century’ soon: Kushner

By Qais Abu Samra

RAMALLAH (AA) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s senior adviser, Jared Kushner, said the “Deal of the Century” – a backchannel plan to reach a peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians, will be announced soon.

In an interview with local Palestinian daily Al-Quds on Sunday, Kushner said he was ready to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas “if he wants to”.

"Abbas has reiterated his commitment to peace and I have no reason not to believe him," he said.

Kushner said a peace deal “would make both sides gain more than they give,” he said, going on to call on the Arab countries to support the peace process between the Palestinians and Israel.

“Now, it is the time for both Israelis and Palestinians to strengthen their leadership to be open to a solution and not to fear of a mere attempt,” he said.

Last week, Kushner and U.S. peace envoy Jason Greenblatt held talks in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and Israel as part of efforts to reach a peace deal between the Palestinians and Israel.

The Palestinian leadership has rejected U.S. mediation since December, when Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.