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Division, mixed international support sap Palestinian resources in face of annexation

As Israel's possible annexation approaches, Palestinians are struggling to unite behind a realistic plan.
Israeli soldiers stand at attention as Palestinian demonstrators take part in a protest against the annexation of the Jordan Valley, in the village of Tammun, east of West Bank village of Tubas, near the Jordan Valley, on February 29, 2020. (Photo by JAAFAR ASHTIYEH / AFP) (Photo by JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP via Getty Images)

Palestinian leaders find themselves caught between difficult choices due to the escalating conflict amid Israel's plans to annex parts of the occupied territories. 

President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian leadership have three main concerns with the upcoming annexation threat. On the international level, the Palestinians are finding mixed reactions. They are happy with the European response, which has been strong and consistent, exemplified by a May 18 statement from Joesp Borell, the high representative of the European Union, congratulating the new Israeli government while reminding it of international law and that Europe, like the rest of the world, has not and will not recognize any unilateral annexation. 

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