04:13State Of Palestine: 'Equal measures of democracy' - Blinken renews calls for two-state solution
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated his support for the two-state solution in resolving the Israel-Palestine issue during a joint press conference with Mahmud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah on Tuesday.
Blinken called on both sides to end the recent surge in violence across the region, explaining that the US opposes any action which may put the two-state solution in jeopardy.
"We oppose any action by either side that makes that goal more difficult to achieve, more distant. And we’ve been clear that this includes settlement expansion, the legalization of outposts, demolitions and evictions, disruptions to the historic status quo of the holy sites, and of course incitement and acquiescence to violence," Blinken said.
The Secretary of State went on to explain how the US has assisted the people of Palestine, including the re-opening of the consulate in Jerusalem before announcing more funding for UNRAW (The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees).
“We’re doing it in tangible ways, including our support to UNRWA – about $890 million for everything from food to vaccines to support for refugees, education, et cetera,” he said. “Today I can announce that we’re going to be providing an additional $50 million to UNRWA.”
Earlier during the press briefing, Abbas claimed the Palestinian Authority had ‘exhausted all means’ to make peace with Israel and alluded to its decision to end the West Bank security cooperation with the Israeli government.
"After all means have been exhausted and failed to stop Israeli violations and evasions from concluded agreements, and amid its non-commitment to cease its unilateral actions, we took a number of decisions – that are already being implemented – to protect the interests of our people," he said.
The US Secretary's meeting with Abbas concludes his two-day visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank.
04:13Mandatory credit: Palestinian Public Broadcast Corporation (PBC)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated his support for the two-state solution in resolving the Israel-Palestine issue during a joint press conference with Mahmud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah on Tuesday.
Blinken called on both sides to end the recent surge in violence across the region, explaining that the US opposes any action which may put the two-state solution in jeopardy.
"We oppose any action by either side that makes that goal more difficult to achieve, more distant. And we’ve been clear that this includes settlement expansion, the legalization of outposts, demolitions and evictions, disruptions to the historic status quo of the holy sites, and of course incitement and acquiescence to violence," Blinken said.
The Secretary of State went on to explain how the US has assisted the people of Palestine, including the re-opening of the consulate in Jerusalem before announcing more funding for UNRAW (The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees).
“We’re doing it in tangible ways, including our support to UNRWA – about $890 million for everything from food to vaccines to support for refugees, education, et cetera,” he said. “Today I can announce that we’re going to be providing an additional $50 million to UNRWA.”
Earlier during the press briefing, Abbas claimed the Palestinian Authority had ‘exhausted all means’ to make peace with Israel and alluded to its decision to end the West Bank security cooperation with the Israeli government.
"After all means have been exhausted and failed to stop Israeli violations and evasions from concluded agreements, and amid its non-commitment to cease its unilateral actions, we took a number of decisions – that are already being implemented – to protect the interests of our people," he said.
The US Secretary's meeting with Abbas concludes his two-day visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank.