Jordan PLO & Hamas revise Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine Plan

The original version states:

'The formal relinquishment of any claims to Jerusalem (with an appropriate arrangement for the holy places)' will be 'a key bargaining chip in Palestinian hands'

The revised version states:

'The formal renunciation of Jerusalem (while giving the Holy Places special status)' will be a major bargaining chip in the hands of the Palestinians."

Sole Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem is now promised - if agreement on all other issues can be resolved.

Under the radar contact already commenced between Israel and Saudi Arabia will certainly focus on implementing the revised version - not the published version.

I reached out to the author of both the original and revised versions, Ali Shihabi, asking him to explain why his original published plan was substantially revised and not published.

I offered to publish his reasons verbatim in an article which I would submit to him to approve before publication.

Shihabi has not replied to my request.

Shihabi might be more forthcoming if contacted by any of the following - who have not even acknowledged the existence of the Saudi Plan since its original publication:

• Joe Biden
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
• New York Times Op Ed writer Thomas Friedman
• Any reporter with Shihabi's cell phone number
• Private think tanks
• Israeli Non-Government Organisations
• Investigative journalists

The failure of Jordan, the PLO or Hamas to reject the Saudi Plan since its initial publication seven months ago is explained by their agreement to the changes made in the revised version.