Israel is planning minor route changes to a giant separation barrier being built in the West Bank that it says will make life easier for Palestinians.
The changes will entail widening the existing opening that links the city of Qalqilya, shut within an enclave by the barrier, to the rest of the West Bank. They will also mean the village of Baka al-Sharkiya shifts from the Israeli side to the West Bank.
"This change will not make life easier for Palestinians and this wall will destroy the peace process," chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said.
Israel says completed sections of the obstacle of razor wire and concrete are already stopping suicide bombers. Palestinians say the barrier annexes land occupied since the 1967 war and will deprive them of a viable, independent state.
Israel has faced criticism even from the United States, its main ally, over the route of a barrier that loops deep into the West Bank to include Jewish settlements. Washington has cut back on loan guarantees in a show of displeasure.
Some within Israel also appear uneasy with a route that they believe does not offer the best security while breeding added resentment from Palestinians after three years of conflict.
"There will be adjustments to the route to make life easier for the Palestinian population, but it will not change the overall picture," said one senior security source.