British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the UK is prepared to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless Israel takes urgent action to improve the situation in Gaza and commit to peace.<h2>UK sets conditions for recognition</h2>Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Starmer said, “I have always said that we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-hamas-must-relinquish-control-palestinian-pm-calls-on-hamas-to-surrender-disarm-as-france-two-state-solution-for-israel-palestine-at-un-1753736040288">'Hamas must relinquish control': Palestinian PM calls on Hamas to surrender, disarm as France two-state solution for Israel, Palestine at UN</a>He added, “I can confirm the UK will recognise the State of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.”The UK has been under growing pressure to take a firmer stance on the Gaza conflict, with Starmer facing criticism from within his own Labour party over the government’s approach to Israel.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-slap-in-the-face-us-slams-france-s-ill-timed-push-for-palestinian-state-stays-silent-on-saudi-role-1753732747512">‘A slap in the face’: US slams France’s ‘ill-timed’ push for Palestinian state, stays silent on Saudi role</a><h2>Gaza crisis draws sharp words</h2>Starmer called the humanitarian crisis in Gaza “appalling” and said the British public are “revolted” by the images coming out of the region. His remarks came during a visit to Scotland, where he spoke alongside US President Donald Trump.Starmer’s comments follow a recent announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron, who said France would also recognise a Palestinian state in September, making it the first G7 country to do so. That move has added pressure on the UK to follow suit.<h2>How many countries already recognise Palestine?</h2>Roughly 140 countries already recognise a Palestinian state. However, many Western nations, including the United States and several European countries, have held off, arguing that recognition should be part of a broader peace agreement. Last year, Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognised a Palestinian state in a bid to push Israel towards a ceasefire. Now, the UK appears ready to follow the same path unless Israel changes course in the coming weeks.<h2>What would recognition mean?</h2>At the United Nations, Palestine currently has limited participation rights. It is also recognised by bodies like the Arab League and other international organisations. Some critics argue that recognising Palestine at this stage would be largely symbolic, as issues around its borders, leadership and statehood remain unresolved. Still, supporters of recognition say it could add diplomatic pressure on Israel and revive stalled peace talks, especially after months of devastating violence&nbsp;in&nbsp;Gaza.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK may recognise a Palestinian state at the UN in September unless Israel takes urgent steps toward peace, including a ceasefire and Gaza improvements.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the UK is prepared to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless Israel takes urgent action to improve the situation in Gaza and commit to peace. UK sets conditions for recognition Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Starmer said, “I have always said that we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution.” Also read: 'Hamas must relinquish control': Palestinian PM calls on Hamas to surrender, disarm as France two-state solution for Israel, Palestine at UN He added, “I can confirm the UK will recognise the State of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.” The UK has been under growing pressure to take a firmer stance on the Gaza conflict, with Starmer facing criticism from within his own Labour party over the government’s approach to Israel. Also read: ‘A slap in the face’: US slams France’s ‘ill-timed’ push for Palestinian state, stays silent on Saudi role Gaza crisis draws sharp words Starmer called the humanitarian crisis in Gaza “appalling” and said the British public are “revolted” by the images coming out of the region. His remarks came during a visit to Scotland, where he spoke alongside US President Donald Trump. Starmer’s comments follow a recent announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron, who said France would also recognise a Palestinian state in September, making it the first G7 country to do so. That move has added pressure on the UK to follow suit. How many countries already recognise Palestine? Roughly 140 countries already recognise a Palestinian state. However, many Western nations, including the United States and several European countries, have held off, arguing that recognition should be part of a broader peace agreement. Last year, Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognised a Palestinian state in a bid to push Israel towards a ceasefire. Now, the UK appears ready to follow the same path unless Israel changes course in the coming weeks. What would recognition mean? At the United Nations, Palestine currently has limited participation rights. It is also recognised by bodies like the Arab League and other international organisations. Some critics argue that recognising Palestine at this stage would be largely symbolic, as issues around its borders, leadership and statehood remain unresolved. Still, supporters of recognition say it could add diplomatic pressure on Israel and revive stalled peace talks, especially after months of devastating violence in Gaza.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK may recognise a Palestinian state at the UN in September unless Israel takes urgent steps toward peace, including a ceasefire and Gaza improvements.

'We will recognise a Palestinian state': After France, UK to recognise Palestinian state; Starmer sets deadline for Israel

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has said Hamas must give up its weapons and control over Gaza if peace and stability are to return to the region. Speaking at a UN conference in New York focused on the two-state solution, Mustafa said, “Israel must withdraw completely from the Gaza Strip and Hamas must relinquish its control over the strip and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-slap-in-the-face-us-slams-france-s-ill-timed-push-for-palestinian-state-stays-silent-on-saudi-role-1753732747512">‘A slap in the face’: US slams France’s ‘ill-timed’ push for Palestinian state, stays silent on Saudi role</a><h2>France backs two-state plan, Israel and US push back</h2>France, co-chairing the three-day conference alongside Saudi Arabia, said there is “no alternative” to a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians. “Only a political, two-state solution will help respond to the legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. There is no alternative,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.France’s push comes just days after President Emmanuel Macron said he would formally recognise a Palestinian state in September, a move that has drawn criticism from both Israel and the United States. Barrot added that other Western nations are expected to announce their support for Palestinian statehood during the summit, although he did not name them.<h2>Palestinian Authority seeks international support</h2>Mustafa used the platform to urge global powers to back Palestinian statehood and called for an international force to help make that a reality. “All states have a responsibility to act now,” he said, adding that any peace process must include Hamas stepping aside in Gaza and disarming.<h2>France wants UK to follow, but Starmer hesitates</h2>France is also hoping that the UK will join its call for recognising Palestine. More than 200 British MPs expressed support last week, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer said such recognition “must be part of a wider plan.”<h2>Guterres: Two-state solution further away than ever</h2>UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the meeting that hopes for a two-state solution are fading fast. “The two-state solution is farther than ever before,” he said, pointing to the 21-month war in Gaza, expansion of Israeli settlements, and comments from Israeli officials about plans to annex occupied land. At least 142 out of 193 UN member states already recognise the Palestinian state, originally declared in 1988.<h2>Saudi Arabia calls on Trump to step in</h2>Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said US President Donald Trump could help end the Gaza war and restart talks for a two-state solution. However, he added that Riyadh has no intention of normalising ties with Israel for now. Despite Saudi Arabia’s involvement, the US dismissed the event as a “publicity stunt.” The State Department said it was “unproductive and ill-timed” and would only make peace efforts harder.<h2>Jordan warns of rising tensions on the ground</h2>Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also spoke at the conference, warning of increasing threats due to Israeli “settlements, land confiscation, and) encroachments on the holy sites.”Israel chose to boycott the&nbsp;event&nbsp;entirely.

Palestinian PM Mohammad Mustafa stated Hamas must disarm and relinquish Gaza control, while Israel should fully withdraw, for peace and stability, during a UN conference on the two-state solution.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has said Hamas must give up its weapons and control over Gaza if peace and stability are to return to the region. Speaking at a UN conference in New York focused on the two-state solution, Mustafa said, “Israel must withdraw completely from the Gaza Strip and Hamas must relinquish its control over the strip and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.” Also read: ‘A slap in the face’: US slams France’s ‘ill-timed’ push for Palestinian state, stays silent on Saudi role France backs two-state plan, Israel and US push back France, co-chairing the three-day conference alongside Saudi Arabia, said there is “no alternative” to a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians. “Only a political, two-state solution will help respond to the legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. There is no alternative,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. France’s push comes just days after President Emmanuel Macron said he would formally recognise a Palestinian state in September, a move that has drawn criticism from both Israel and the United States. Barrot added that other Western nations are expected to announce their support for Palestinian statehood during the summit, although he did not name them. Palestinian Authority seeks international support Mustafa used the platform to urge global powers to back Palestinian statehood and called for an international force to help make that a reality. “All states have a responsibility to act now,” he said, adding that any peace process must include Hamas stepping aside in Gaza and disarming. France wants UK to follow, but Starmer hesitates France is also hoping that the UK will join its call for recognising Palestine. More than 200 British MPs expressed support last week, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer said such recognition “must be part of a wider plan.” Guterres: Two-state solution further away than ever UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the meeting that hopes for a two-state solution are fading fast. “The two-state solution is farther than ever before,” he said, pointing to the 21-month war in Gaza, expansion of Israeli settlements, and comments from Israeli officials about plans to annex occupied land. At least 142 out of 193 UN member states already recognise the Palestinian state, originally declared in 1988. Saudi Arabia calls on Trump to step in Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said US President Donald Trump could help end the Gaza war and restart talks for a two-state solution. However, he added that Riyadh has no intention of normalising ties with Israel for now. Despite Saudi Arabia’s involvement, the US dismissed the event as a “publicity stunt.” The State Department said it was “unproductive and ill-timed” and would only make peace efforts harder. Jordan warns of rising tensions on the ground Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also spoke at the conference, warning of increasing threats due to Israeli “settlements, land confiscation, and) encroachments on the holy sites.” Israel chose to boycott the event entirely.

Palestinian PM Mohammad Mustafa stated Hamas must disarm and relinquish Gaza control, while Israel should fully withdraw, for peace and stability, during a UN conference on the two-state solution.

'Hamas must relinquish control': Palestinian PM calls on Hamas to surrender, disarm as France two-state solution for Israel, Palestine at UN

The Trump administration strongly criticised a UN conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia aimed at promoting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling it “unproductive and ill-timed.” The US State Department said, “This is a publicity stunt that comes in the middle of delicate diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.” It added, “Far from promoting peace, the conference will prolong the war, embolden Hamas, and reward its obstruction and undermine real-world efforts to achieve peace.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-said-no-trump-says-he-rejected-epstein-s-island-invite-calls-scandal-a-hoax-1753724363790">‘I said no’: Trump says he rejected Epstein’s island invite, calls it a ‘hoax’</a><h2>US says conference undermines Gaza ceasefire efforts</h2>US officials repeated the remarks made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had called similar two-state initiatives “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7.” Although the US is refusing to participate in the UN conference, it stated that it will continue working independently to promote peace in the region.<h2>Macron’s recognition of Palestine draws US ire</h2>The US also criticised French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent decision to recognise a Palestinian state, which is seen by Washington as harmful to ongoing peace talks. The statement noted that Hamas welcomed Macron’s move, a reaction that the US sees as evidence that the step may have emboldened militants. Macron’s decision was also backed by the Palestinian Authority, which has long supported a two-state solution alongside Israel.But Washington warned that Macron’s gesture “reflects a pattern of counterproductive gestures that only embolden Hamas, encourage its obstruction of a ceasefire, and greatly undercut our diplomatic efforts to end the suffering in Gaza, free the hostages, and move the whole Middle East towards a brighter and more prosperous future.”<h2>Why is the US quiet on Saudi Arabia?</h2>Despite Saudi Arabia co-hosting the UN event and reportedly playing a role in Macron’s decision, the US avoided any direct criticism of Riyadh. President Trump has maintained close ties with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has pledged large-scale investments in the US.The statement made no mention of the Saudi role in the talks, nor did it take a clear stance on the broader two-state solution, a position the Trump administration has carefully avoided, even as Israel takes steps that appear to reject&nbsp;the&nbsp;framework.

The Trump administration condemned a UN conference on the Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution, calling it unproductive, ill-timed, and a stunt that could empower Hamas and hinder genuine peace efforts.

The Trump administration strongly criticised a UN conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia aimed at promoting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling it “unproductive and ill-timed.” The US State Department said, “This is a publicity stunt that comes in the middle of delicate diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.” It added, “Far from promoting peace, the conference will prolong the war, embolden Hamas, and reward its obstruction and undermine real-world efforts to achieve peace.” Also read: ‘I said no’: Trump says he rejected Epstein’s island invite, calls it a ‘hoax’ US says conference undermines Gaza ceasefire efforts US officials repeated the remarks made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had called similar two-state initiatives “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7.” Although the US is refusing to participate in the UN conference, it stated that it will continue working independently to promote peace in the region. Macron’s recognition of Palestine draws US ire The US also criticised French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent decision to recognise a Palestinian state, which is seen by Washington as harmful to ongoing peace talks. The statement noted that Hamas welcomed Macron’s move, a reaction that the US sees as evidence that the step may have emboldened militants. Macron’s decision was also backed by the Palestinian Authority, which has long supported a two-state solution alongside Israel. But Washington warned that Macron’s gesture “reflects a pattern of counterproductive gestures that only embolden Hamas, encourage its obstruction of a ceasefire, and greatly undercut our diplomatic efforts to end the suffering in Gaza, free the hostages, and move the whole Middle East towards a brighter and more prosperous future.” Why is the US quiet on Saudi Arabia? Despite Saudi Arabia co-hosting the UN event and reportedly playing a role in Macron’s decision, the US avoided any direct criticism of Riyadh. President Trump has maintained close ties with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has pledged large-scale investments in the US. The statement made no mention of the Saudi role in the talks, nor did it take a clear stance on the broader two-state solution, a position the Trump administration has carefully avoided, even as Israel takes steps that appear to reject the framework.

The Trump administration condemned a UN conference on the Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution, calling it unproductive, ill-timed, and a stunt that could empower Hamas and hinder genuine peace efforts.

‘A slap in the face’: US slams France’s ‘ill-timed’ push for Palestinian state, stays silent on Saudi role

Saudi Arabia told the United States that it can't have any relations with Israel in the absence of recognition of the Palestinian state, a report published by the news agency Reuters said on Wednesday (Feb 7).&nbsp;

As quoted, a statement released by a ministry said that Riyadh repeated its request for permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to acknowledge a Palestinian state on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.&nbsp;

The statement read, "Kingdom has communicated its firm position to the US administration that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-war-hamas-proposes-a-four-month-gaza-truce-plan-says-report-687870">Israel war: Hamas proposes a four-month Gaza truce plan, says report</a>&nbsp;

Riyadh reiterated "its call to the permanent members of the UN security council that have not yet recognised the Palestinian state, to expedite the recognition of the Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital".&nbsp;

This statement comes after comments by White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, who told reporters on Tuesday that talks on Saudi-Israeli normalisation were "ongoing".&nbsp;

Kirby also said that Washington had "received positive feedback from both sides that they're willing to continue to have those discussions".&nbsp;

This comes amid, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned visit to Saudi Arabia this week. He also stopped in Egypt, Qatar and then Israel. US President Joe Biden's administration has been pressing Saudi Arabia to recognise Israel.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-houthi-rebels-target-two-more-vessels-in-red-sea-including-one-carrying-coal-to-india-687759">Middle East crisis: Houthi rebels target two more vessels in Red Sea, including one carrying coal to India</a>&nbsp;

Blinken is aiming to finalise a truce deal to limit the escalation happening due to the Israel-Hamas war, which started after the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants.&nbsp;

Before the Israel-Hamas war, Riyadh had even set out criteria, including security guarantees from Washington and assistance in constructing a civilian nuclear programme. But all the progress appears to have gone in vain.&nbsp;

Watch: Israeli claims of UNRWA culpability remain unsubstantiated

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<h2>October 7 attack&nbsp;</h2>

Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel, killing about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, claim Israeli authorities. Hamas had also taken some 250 people as hostages, some of them were later returned as part of a deal in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;

After the attack, Israel responded with several strikes on Gaza and has continued its offensive since then killing at least 27,708 people as of February 6, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia told the United States that it can't have any relations with Israel in the absence of recognition of the Palestinian state, a report published by the news agency Reuters said on Wednesday (Feb 7).

Saudi Arabia told the United States that it can't have any relations with Israel in the absence of recognition of the Palestinian state, a report published by the news agency Reuters said on Wednesday (Feb 7). As quoted, a statement released by a ministry said that Riyadh repeated its request for permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to acknowledge a Palestinian state on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The statement read, "Kingdom has communicated its firm position to the US administration that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital." Also read: Israel war: Hamas proposes a four-month Gaza truce plan, says report Riyadh reiterated "its call to the permanent members of the UN security council that have not yet recognised the Palestinian state, to expedite the recognition of the Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital". This statement comes after comments by White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, who told reporters on Tuesday that talks on Saudi-Israeli normalisation were "ongoing". Kirby also said that Washington had "received positive feedback from both sides that they're willing to continue to have those discussions". This comes amid, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned visit to Saudi Arabia this week. He also stopped in Egypt, Qatar and then Israel. US President Joe Biden's administration has been pressing Saudi Arabia to recognise Israel. Also read: Middle East crisis: Houthi rebels target two more vessels in Red Sea, including one carrying coal to India Blinken is aiming to finalise a truce deal to limit the escalation happening due to the Israel-Hamas war, which started after the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants. Before the Israel-Hamas war, Riyadh had even set out criteria, including security guarantees from Washington and assistance in constructing a civilian nuclear programme. But all the progress appears to have gone in vain. Watch: Israeli claims of UNRWA culpability remain unsubstantiated × October 7 attack Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel, killing about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, claim Israeli authorities. Hamas had also taken some 250 people as hostages, some of them were later returned as part of a deal in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. After the attack, Israel responded with several strikes on Gaza and has continued its offensive since then killing at least 27,708 people as of February 6, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia says no ties with Israel until Palestinian state is 'recognised'

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid in his speech at the 77th UN General Assembly expressed his support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israeli PM Yair Lapid to back two-state solution at UNGA

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid in his speech at the UN General Assembly on Thursday will express his support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The revelation drew both criticism from right-wing ministers in Lapid’s eight-party coalition, and support from some of his allies on the left.

Israeli PM Yair Lapid may back two-state solution during his UNGA address

U.S. house rebukes Trump & Netanyahu. Democrats endorse a two-state solution.

U.S. house rebukes Trump & Netanyahu

US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo suggested on Monday he was open to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, saying a "two-party solution" was likely in his first extensive comments on peace efforts since taking the job last week.

"With respect to the two-state solution, the parties will ultimately make the decision. We are certainly open to a two-party solution as a likely outcome," he said at a news conference in Jordan after a visit to Israel.

"The Israelis and Palestinians need to have political engagement. We urge the Palestinians to return to that political dialogue," he added.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has said he would support a two-state solution, if the two sides agree, although he has stopped sort of re-asserting a U.S. commitment to eventual Palestinian statehood, a longtime bedrock of US&nbsppolicy. The White House is preparing a new Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.

Some 70 years after the creation of Israel, prospects for a Palestinian state appear dim. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks were based on the 1993 Oslo accords that envisaged a two-state solution.

Those talks have been stalled for years and Israel has built more settlements in the occupied territories, which it seized during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Israel has refused any right of return for Palestinians who were expelled or fled and became refugees after the country declared independence in 1948, fearing it would lose its Jewish majority.

Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians in recent weeks who were protesting in the Gaza Strip near the border with Israel to demand the return of refugees and their descendents. Israel says it is protecting its borders.

Palestinians have rejected U.S. peace-making efforts since Trump decided to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move its embassy to the city, wanted by Palestinians as capital of their own state.

VIOLENCE

Amman was Pompeo's last stop before he returns to Washington DC, where he has not yet entered the State Department. Moments after being sworn in as Secretary of State on Thursday, Pompeo immediately left for a meeting in Brussels, followed by a visit to allies in the Middle East.

"(The Mideast peace) is an incredible priority for the United States to provide whatever assistance we can to allow the two parties to come to a resolution on this incredibly long standing and important conflict," Pompeo said, standing alongside Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

Pompeo also made his first comments on the violence along the Israel-Gaza Strip border, where Israeli forces have killed 42 Palestinians since protests began on March 30 and injured some 2,000 by gunfire. No serious casualties have been reported on the Israeli side.

"We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves," he said.

The Palestinians say Israel has used excessive force, and its use of live fire has drawn international criticism.

Israel says it is protecting its borders and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling stones and rolling burning tires, or trying to lay explosives, come too close to the border fence.

Turning to Syria, he said the United States was "in perfect accord" with Jordan on Syria, including the preservation of a "de-escalation zone" in the south.

Pompeo said: "We believe there are many countries, including the United States, who will play an important political role in achieving the de-escalation and ultimate political resolution in Syria".

'With respect to the two-state solution, the parties will ultimately make the decision. We are certainly open to a two-party solution as a likely outcome,' Pompeo said

US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo suggested on Monday he was open to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, saying a "two-party solution" was likely in his first extensive comments on peace efforts since taking the job last week. "With respect to the two-state solution, the parties will ultimately make the decision. We are certainly open to a two-party solution as a likely outcome," he said at a news conference in Jordan after a visit to Israel. "The Israelis and Palestinians need to have political engagement. We urge the Palestinians to return to that political dialogue," he added. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has said he would support a two-state solution, if the two sides agree, although he has stopped sort of re-asserting a U.S. commitment to eventual Palestinian statehood, a longtime bedrock of US&nbsppolicy. The White House is preparing a new Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. Some 70 years after the creation of Israel, prospects for a Palestinian state appear dim. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks were based on the 1993 Oslo accords that envisaged a two-state solution. Those talks have been stalled for years and Israel has built more settlements in the occupied territories, which it seized during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Israel has refused any right of return for Palestinians who were expelled or fled and became refugees after the country declared independence in 1948, fearing it would lose its Jewish majority. Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians in recent weeks who were protesting in the Gaza Strip near the border with Israel to demand the return of refugees and their descendents. Israel says it is protecting its borders. Palestinians have rejected U.S. peace-making efforts since Trump decided to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move its embassy to the city, wanted by Palestinians as capital of their own state. VIOLENCE Amman was Pompeo's last stop before he returns to Washington DC, where he has not yet entered the State Department. Moments after being sworn in as Secretary of State on Thursday, Pompeo immediately left for a meeting in Brussels, followed by a visit to allies in the Middle East. "(The Mideast peace) is an incredible priority for the United States to provide whatever assistance we can to allow the two parties to come to a resolution on this incredibly long standing and important conflict," Pompeo said, standing alongside Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. Pompeo also made his first comments on the violence along the Israel-Gaza Strip border, where Israeli forces have killed 42 Palestinians since protests began on March 30 and injured some 2,000 by gunfire. No serious casualties have been reported on the Israeli side. "We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves," he said. The Palestinians say Israel has used excessive force, and its use of live fire has drawn international criticism. Israel says it is protecting its borders and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling stones and rolling burning tires, or trying to lay explosives, come too close to the border fence. Turning to Syria, he said the United States was "in perfect accord" with Jordan on Syria, including the preservation of a "de-escalation zone" in the south. Pompeo said: "We believe there are many countries, including the United States, who will play an important political role in achieving the de-escalation and ultimate political resolution in Syria".

Pompeo says US open to 'two-party solution' for Israeli-Palestinian conflict

If the two-state solution on Israel and Palestine is no longer attainable in the coming years, the discussion will move to &quot;one-state solution&quot; in future with more focus on democratic rights, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said today.

He was delivering a lecture on &#39;Strategic Relations between India and UAE and the Crisis in the Middle East&#39; organised by the Observer Research Foundation here.

&quot;The next 3-4 years...If the two-state solution will no longer be attainable, (then) the discussion will be about the one-state solution and about democratic rights.

&quot;I know that discussion is currently taking place but that is marginalised. If we wait for few more years, that (discussion) will be in the centre stage,&quot; he said.

Gargash said the Israeli occupation also gave an opportunity for Iran and Turkey to &quot;whip up emotions&quot;.

He also expressed apprehension on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) i.E. The nuclear deal between Iran on one side and China, the US, the UK, France, Germany and the European Union, on the other hand.

The UAE minister said Iran&#39;s ballistic missile programme was a &quot;major concern&quot; in West Asia, adding that Tehran was trying to become a hegemon in the region.

He also hit out at Qatar, accusing the Gulf nation of being a source of radical Islam.

Last year, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries-- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE --cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar for allegedly supporting terrorism.

He also hit out at Qatar, accusing the Gulf nation of being a source of radical Islam.

If the two-state solution on Israel and Palestine is no longer attainable in the coming years, the discussion will move to "one-state solution" in future with more focus on democratic rights, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said today. He was delivering a lecture on 'Strategic Relations between India and UAE and the Crisis in the Middle East' organised by the Observer Research Foundation here. "The next 3-4 years...If the two-state solution will no longer be attainable, (then) the discussion will be about the one-state solution and about democratic rights. "I know that discussion is currently taking place but that is marginalised. If we wait for few more years, that (discussion) will be in the centre stage," he said. Gargash said the Israeli occupation also gave an opportunity for Iran and Turkey to "whip up emotions". He also expressed apprehension on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) i.E. The nuclear deal between Iran on one side and China, the US, the UK, France, Germany and the European Union, on the other hand. The UAE minister said Iran's ballistic missile programme was a "major concern" in West Asia, adding that Tehran was trying to become a hegemon in the region. He also hit out at Qatar, accusing the Gulf nation of being a source of radical Islam. Last year, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries-- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE --cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar for allegedly supporting terrorism.

Discussion on Israel-Palestine will be about 'one-state solution' in future: UAE minister

US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said, on Thursday, that America still supports the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

&quot;First of all, the two-state solution is what we support. Anybody that wants to say the United States does not support the two-state solution - that would be an error,&quot; Haley told reporters at the United Nations.

&quot;We absolutely support the two-state solution but we are thinking out of the box as well: which is what does it take to bring these two sides to the table; what do we need to have them agree on,&quot; she added.

The statement made by her assumes significance as it comes a day after President Trump, in a joint press conference with Israel&#39;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that he was open to new ways to achieve peace.&nbsp;

&quot;I&#39;m looking at two states and one state, and I like the one both parties like. I can live with either one,&quot; the President said.

Trump said that the US will work towards building peace between the two sides but it was up to the two parties to decide the terms of the agreement.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

The statement comes a day after Trump announced that he was open to consider all options for peace to return between the two sides

US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said, on Thursday, that America still supports the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. "First of all, the two-state solution is what we support. Anybody that wants to say the United States does not support the two-state solution - that would be an error," Haley told reporters at the United Nations. "We absolutely support the two-state solution but we are thinking out of the box as well: which is what does it take to bring these two sides to the table; what do we need to have them agree on," she added. The statement made by her assumes significance as it comes a day after President Trump, in a joint press conference with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that he was open to new ways to achieve peace. "I'm looking at two states and one state, and I like the one both parties like. I can live with either one," the President said. Trump said that the US will work towards building peace between the two sides but it was up to the two parties to decide the terms of the agreement. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

US still supports a two-state solution to Israel-Palestine conflict: Nikki Haley

As his plane touched down in Washington on Valentine&rsquo;s Day for his first official meeting with President Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu would have had both an old flame and the possibilities of a budding romance on his mind.

After years of tension, the Obama-Netanyahu relationship ended on a bitter note when the US abstained on a UN Security Council motion demanding an end to Israeli settlement building, allowing it to pass.

The US has traditionally shielded Israel against similar moves by the UN with its powers of veto.

To many, it was a parting shot from a president who had pushed Israel on touchy issues like settlements harder than any US leader in recent memory.

But analysts say the personal rancour between the two leaders didn&rsquo;t change the essential dynamic of the longstanding alliance.

&ldquo;Despite all the very public furore between Obama and Netanyahu, key analysts recognise that the relationship between the US and Israel was stronger than ever before during the eight years of the Obama presidency. That was in all the ways that mattered: the amount of military aid, the consistency of protection at the United Nations and the certainty of US diplomatic support,&rdquo; said Phyllis Bennis from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.

Instead, the Trump administration could have a much greater impact on the shape of the US-Israel alliance in the long term.

Wednesday&rsquo;s White House joint press conference marked a major shift in US policy, with Donald Trump leaving the door open to a one-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;m looking at two states and one state&hellip;I&rsquo;m very happy with the one that both parties like. I can live with either one,&rdquo; said Trump.

The two-state solution has been at the centre of US foreign policy in the Middle East for decades.

Meanwhile Trump&rsquo;s pick for the new US Ambassador to Israel could also signal a change on another key issue: the location of the US embassy.

David Friedman has repeatedly called for the embassy to be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a decision that would send shockwaves through the Arab world.

In a statement after his selection was announced, Friedman said he wants to advance &ldquo;the cause of peace within the region, and look[s] forward to doing this from the U.S. embassy in Israel&rsquo;s eternal capital, Jerusalem.&quot;

Trump&rsquo;s comments in the joint press conference with Netanyahu show that he also backs his new envoy on this controversial stance.

&quot;As far as the embassy moving to Jerusalem, I&#39;d love to see that happen,&rdquo; he said.

The single moment of tension in what was otherwise a reaffirmation of close US-Israel ties came on the issue of settlements, with Trump asking his counterpart to &ldquo;hold back on settlements for a little bit&rdquo;.

Israel&rsquo;s government recently approved the construction of 6,000 controversial new settler homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

But even as Trump and Netanyahu shore up the old alliance, analysts in the US say the importance of the partnership could be diminishing in terms of the wider region.

&ldquo;The complications in the region have diminished the strategic value of Israel for US policy. In the context of the Arab Spring and the rise of much more complicated wars across the region, the US is not generally relying on Israel. It&rsquo;s making its own mistakes,&rdquo; said Phyllis Bennis from the Institute for Policy Studies.

For now, Trump says he will work hard to deliver a &ldquo;great&rdquo; peace deal between Israel and Palestine in one of the world&rsquo;s longest-running conflicts.

But as history shows, that is far, far easier said than done.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="532" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zW38NC0k-xo" width="945"></iframe>

(WION)

As Israel?s Prime Minister visits the US capital, Donald Trump is rewriting the rulebook on US foreign policy towards its close ally

As his plane touched down in Washington on Valentine’s Day for his first official meeting with President Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu would have had both an old flame and the possibilities of a budding romance on his mind. After years of tension, the Obama-Netanyahu relationship ended on a bitter note when the US abstained on a UN Security Council motion demanding an end to Israeli settlement building, allowing it to pass. The US has traditionally shielded Israel against similar moves by the UN with its powers of veto. To many, it was a parting shot from a president who had pushed Israel on touchy issues like settlements harder than any US leader in recent memory. But analysts say the personal rancour between the two leaders didn’t change the essential dynamic of the longstanding alliance. “Despite all the very public furore between Obama and Netanyahu, key analysts recognise that the relationship between the US and Israel was stronger than ever before during the eight years of the Obama presidency. That was in all the ways that mattered: the amount of military aid, the consistency of protection at the United Nations and the certainty of US diplomatic support,” said Phyllis Bennis from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C. Instead, the Trump administration could have a much greater impact on the shape of the US-Israel alliance in the long term. Wednesday’s White House joint press conference marked a major shift in US policy, with Donald Trump leaving the door open to a one-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. “I’m looking at two states and one state…I’m very happy with the one that both parties like. I can live with either one,” said Trump. The two-state solution has been at the centre of US foreign policy in the Middle East for decades. Meanwhile Trump’s pick for the new US Ambassador to Israel could also signal a change on another key issue: the location of the US embassy. David Friedman has repeatedly called for the embassy to be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a decision that would send shockwaves through the Arab world. In a statement after his selection was announced, Friedman said he wants to advance “the cause of peace within the region, and look[s] forward to doing this from the U.S. embassy in Israel’s eternal capital, Jerusalem." Trump’s comments in the joint press conference with Netanyahu show that he also backs his new envoy on this controversial stance. "As far as the embassy moving to Jerusalem, I'd love to see that happen,” he said. The single moment of tension in what was otherwise a reaffirmation of close US-Israel ties came on the issue of settlements, with Trump asking his counterpart to “hold back on settlements for a little bit”. Israel’s government recently approved the construction of 6,000 controversial new settler homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. But even as Trump and Netanyahu shore up the old alliance, analysts in the US say the importance of the partnership could be diminishing in terms of the wider region. “The complications in the region have diminished the strategic value of Israel for US policy. In the context of the Arab Spring and the rise of much more complicated wars across the region, the US is not generally relying on Israel. It’s making its own mistakes,” said Phyllis Bennis from the Institute for Policy Studies. For now, Trump says he will work hard to deliver a “great” peace deal between Israel and Palestine in one of the world’s longest-running conflicts. But as history shows, that is far, far easier said than done. (WION)

Netanyahu and Trump reset the US-Israel alliance after frosty Obama years

US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Wednesday that the only way to secure a lasting peace between Israel and Palestinians is to negotiate a two-state solution to their conflict.

&quot;Today, there are a similar number of Jews and Palestinians living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. They have a choice. They can choose to live together in one state, or they can separate into two states,&quot; he told an audience of diplomats in Washington.

&quot;But here is a fundamental reality: if the choice is one state, Israel can either be Jewish or democratic -&ndash; it cannot be both -&ndash;and it won&#39;t ever really be at peace.&quot;

Kerry was explaining the US witholding its UN Security Council veto in the 14-0 vote that called for a halt to Israeli settlement building in the occupied territories.&nbsp;

&quot;The vote in the UN was about preserving the two-state solution.

&quot;That&#39;s what we were standing up for: Israel&#39;s future as a Jewish and democratic state, living side by side in peace and security with its neighbors,&quot; he said.

The US secretary of state explained the US vision for a solution to the conflict and warned Israel was on a course leading to a &quot;perpetual occupation&quot; of Palestinian-owned land.

&quot;The two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians,&quot; Kerry said, but warned that solution was in &quot;serious jeopardy.&quot;

&nbsp;He also warned that Israel&#39;s &quot;settler agenda&quot; was determining its policy in the West Bank and imperiling peace with the Palestinians.

&quot;The settler agenda is defining the future in Israel. And their stated purpose is clear: They believe in one state: greater Israel.&quot; 
 
However, it is not clear whether the obama administration&#39;s roadmap for a solution to the conflict will taken forward by US President-elect Donald Trump. 
 
Trump made his pro-Israel stand clear on Twitter on Wednesday morning ahead of Kerry&#39;s speech, saying the US could not continue to treat Israel with &quot;such total disdain and disrespect.&quot;&nbsp;He promised Israel he would improve ties between the two nations after taking charge on January 20.

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We cannot continue to let Israel be treated with such total disdain and disrespect. They used to have a great friend in the U.S., but.......
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/814113616110751744">December 28, 2016</a></blockquote>
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not anymore. The beginning of the end was the horrible Iran deal, and now this (U.N.)! Stay strong Israel, January 20th is fast approaching!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/814114980983427073">December 28, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Israel meanwhile asked Jerusalem&#39;s city hall to delay a vote on new settlements for Israelis in East Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the decision the same day that Kerry was to make his speech.

But while a Jerusalem planning committee postponed the request for building permits for nearly 500 homes, it did grant approval for a highly controversial settler building in east Jerusalem, AFP quoted an NGO as saying. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)

 
&nbsp;

'They have a choice. They can choose to live together in one state, or they can separate into two states,' he said

US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Wednesday that the only way to secure a lasting peace between Israel and Palestinians is to negotiate a two-state solution to their conflict. "Today, there are a similar number of Jews and Palestinians living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. They have a choice. They can choose to live together in one state, or they can separate into two states," he told an audience of diplomats in Washington. "But here is a fundamental reality: if the choice is one state, Israel can either be Jewish or democratic -– it cannot be both -–and it won't ever really be at peace." Kerry was explaining the US witholding its UN Security Council veto in the 14-0 vote that called for a halt to Israeli settlement building in the occupied territories. "The vote in the UN was about preserving the two-state solution. "That's what we were standing up for: Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state, living side by side in peace and security with its neighbors," he said. The US secretary of state explained the US vision for a solution to the conflict and warned Israel was on a course leading to a "perpetual occupation" of Palestinian-owned land. "The two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians," Kerry said, but warned that solution was in "serious jeopardy." He also warned that Israel's "settler agenda" was determining its policy in the West Bank and imperiling peace with the Palestinians. "The settler agenda is defining the future in Israel. And their stated purpose is clear: They believe in one state: greater Israel." However, it is not clear whether the obama administration's roadmap for a solution to the conflict will taken forward by US President-elect Donald Trump. Trump made his pro-Israel stand clear on Twitter on Wednesday morning ahead of Kerry's speech, saying the US could not continue to treat Israel with "such total disdain and disrespect." He promised Israel he would improve ties between the two nations after taking charge on January 20. We cannot continue to let Israel be treated with such total disdain and disrespect. They used to have a great friend in the U.S., but....... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 28, 2016 × not anymore. The beginning of the end was the horrible Iran deal, and now this (U.N.)! Stay strong Israel, January 20th is fast approaching! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 28, 2016 × Israel meanwhile asked Jerusalem's city hall to delay a vote on new settlements for Israelis in East Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the decision the same day that Kerry was to make his speech. But while a Jerusalem planning committee postponed the request for building permits for nearly 500 homes, it did grant approval for a highly controversial settler building in east Jerusalem, AFP quoted an NGO as saying. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Two states only way to secure Israeli-Palestinian peace: Kerry

The decades-old rivalry between the Israeli and Palestinian was visible on the floor of the UN General Assembly on Thursday as their leaders stood poles apart.&nbsp; 
 
Clashing over the Jewish settlements in the West Bank, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas slammed the expansion as soon as he took the podium.&nbsp; 
 
Abbas told the UN that settlement growth is destroying the two-state solution.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;What the Israeli government is doing in pursuit of its expansionist settlement plans will destroy whatever possibility is left for the two-state solution along the 1967 borders,&quot; Abbas warned. 
 
Abbas said the settlements are illegal in all aspects and that the Palestinians were working to &quot;exert all efforts&quot; with Arab and other &quot;friendly countries&quot; to get the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution on settlements and the &quot;terror of the settlers.&quot; 
 
He urged the Assembly to recognise Palestine as a state. &quot;Those who believe in the two-state solution should recognise both states&nbsp;and not just one of them,&quot; Abbas said. 
 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly contradict Abbas. 
 
&quot;This conflict has never been about the settlements or about establishing a Palestinian state,&quot; said Netanyahu. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s always been about the existence of a Jewish state, a Jewish state in any boundary,&quot; he added. 
 
Netanyahu said that Haifa, Jaffa and Tel Aviv, all cities in Israel, were &quot;the real settlements they are after.&quot; 
 
Israel has accused Palestinian of inciting violence that has killed 230 Palestinians and 34 Israelis since last October and swept the&nbsp;region.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;We extend our hands to those who want to build peace,&quot; said Abbas, albeit slamming Israeli attitudes. 
 
&quot;It is Israel&#39;s breach of the agreements it has signed and its failure to comply with the obligations that have led us to the deadlock and stalemate that we remain in now.&quot; 
 
Netanyahu strongly criticised the United Nations for showing anti-Israeli bias. But conceded that the issue of settlements in the West Bank was &quot;real,&quot; and it &quot;can and must be resolved in final negotiations.&quot; 
 
Last year the United Nations raised for the first time the Palestinian flag -- a symbolic gesture supported by the majority of UN members after the latest US peace initiative collapsed in 2014. 
 
Palestine is not a full UN member state, though it has observer status. 
 
Israel&#39;s announcement of constructing 463 homes for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank in August was a cause of concern internationally.&nbsp; 
 
A recent report by the diplomatic Quartet -- the European Union, Russia, the UN and the United States -- said construction of settlements on land earmarked to be part of a future Palestinian state is eroding the possibility of a two-state solution. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Netanyahu conceded West Bank issue can be resolved by negotiations but said the real conflict is over existence of a Jewish state

The decades-old rivalry between the Israeli and Palestinian was visible on the floor of the UN General Assembly on Thursday as their leaders stood poles apart. Clashing over the Jewish settlements in the West Bank, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas slammed the expansion as soon as he took the podium. Abbas told the UN that settlement growth is destroying the two-state solution. "What the Israeli government is doing in pursuit of its expansionist settlement plans will destroy whatever possibility is left for the two-state solution along the 1967 borders," Abbas warned. Abbas said the settlements are illegal in all aspects and that the Palestinians were working to "exert all efforts" with Arab and other "friendly countries" to get the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution on settlements and the "terror of the settlers." He urged the Assembly to recognise Palestine as a state. "Those who believe in the two-state solution should recognise both states and not just one of them," Abbas said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly contradict Abbas. "This conflict has never been about the settlements or about establishing a Palestinian state," said Netanyahu. "It's always been about the existence of a Jewish state, a Jewish state in any boundary," he added. Netanyahu said that Haifa, Jaffa and Tel Aviv, all cities in Israel, were "the real settlements they are after." Israel has accused Palestinian of inciting violence that has killed 230 Palestinians and 34 Israelis since last October and swept the region. "We extend our hands to those who want to build peace," said Abbas, albeit slamming Israeli attitudes. "It is Israel's breach of the agreements it has signed and its failure to comply with the obligations that have led us to the deadlock and stalemate that we remain in now." Netanyahu strongly criticised the United Nations for showing anti-Israeli bias. But conceded that the issue of settlements in the West Bank was "real," and it "can and must be resolved in final negotiations." Last year the United Nations raised for the first time the Palestinian flag -- a symbolic gesture supported by the majority of UN members after the latest US peace initiative collapsed in 2014. Palestine is not a full UN member state, though it has observer status. Israel's announcement of constructing 463 homes for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank in August was a cause of concern internationally. A recent report by the diplomatic Quartet -- the European Union, Russia, the UN and the United States -- said construction of settlements on land earmarked to be part of a future Palestinian state is eroding the possibility of a two-state solution. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Abbas warns Israel settlement growth destroying two-state solution

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas on Saturday said any reboot of peace talks with Israel should happen within a clear timeframe and under international supervision, after meeting with US secretary of state John Kerry in Paris. 
 
Abbas also held talks with French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on the prospects of achieving a two-state solution, senior Palestinian official Saeb Erakat said, describing both discussions as &quot;very constructive&quot;. 
 
&quot;We need a timeline for the negotiations, we need a timeline for the implementation, and we need an international framework that will ensure the implementation of any agreement reached,&quot; Erakat said. 
 
France has been leading a fresh initiative to revive the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, after the last round of negotiations collapsed in 2014. 
 
But while Palestinians have welcomed the French push, Israel has said it favours direct negotiations. 
 
Abbas &quot;reiterated our full support to the French initiative that aims to convene an international conference before the end of the year,&quot; Erakat said. 
 
The Palestinian negotiator added that there was &quot;no contradiction&quot; between the French, US and more recently Egyptian efforts to break the deadlock and move the peace talks forward. 
 
&quot;All these efforts aim to revive the peace process, to achieve the two-state solution (based) on the 1967 lines. They are complementary,&quot; he said. 
 
The diplomatic initiatives showed that the &quot;status quo can&#39;t be sustained&quot;, he added, reiterating the need for Israel to &quot;stop all settlement activities&quot; in order to give &quot;credibility to any peace process&quot;. 
 
The Middle East diplomatic quartet -- the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States -- urged Israel to stop building settlements and Palestinians to cease incitement to violence in a July report that drew a frosty response from both sides. 
 
While in Paris, Kerry also held talks with his French counterpart on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 
 
&quot;They agreed that strong leadership was required by all parties to help reduce the violence and take practical steps that can lead to meaningful discussions,&quot; the US State Department said in a statement. 
 
(AFP)

President Mahmud Abbas held talks with France, which has been leading Israel-Palestine peace talks, on achieving a two-state solution

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas on Saturday said any reboot of peace talks with Israel should happen within a clear timeframe and under international supervision, after meeting with US secretary of state John Kerry in Paris. Abbas also held talks with French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on the prospects of achieving a two-state solution, senior Palestinian official Saeb Erakat said, describing both discussions as "very constructive". "We need a timeline for the negotiations, we need a timeline for the implementation, and we need an international framework that will ensure the implementation of any agreement reached," Erakat said. France has been leading a fresh initiative to revive the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, after the last round of negotiations collapsed in 2014. But while Palestinians have welcomed the French push, Israel has said it favours direct negotiations. Abbas "reiterated our full support to the French initiative that aims to convene an international conference before the end of the year," Erakat said. The Palestinian negotiator added that there was "no contradiction" between the French, US and more recently Egyptian efforts to break the deadlock and move the peace talks forward. "All these efforts aim to revive the peace process, to achieve the two-state solution (based) on the 1967 lines. They are complementary," he said. The diplomatic initiatives showed that the "status quo can't be sustained", he added, reiterating the need for Israel to "stop all settlement activities" in order to give "credibility to any peace process". The Middle East diplomatic quartet -- the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States -- urged Israel to stop building settlements and Palestinians to cease incitement to violence in a July report that drew a frosty response from both sides. While in Paris, Kerry also held talks with his French counterpart on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "They agreed that strong leadership was required by all parties to help reduce the violence and take practical steps that can lead to meaningful discussions," the US State Department said in a statement. (AFP)

Palestinians urge timeframe for peace talks with Israel

France convened&nbsp;foreign ministers from major powers today to put Israel-Palestinian peacemaking back on the international agenda and find a common ground to bring the two sides back to the table by the end of the year.

With US&nbsp;efforts to broker a deal on a Palestinian state on Israel-occupied land in deep freeze for two years,&nbsp;and Washington focused on its November presidential election, France has lobbied key players to hold a conference that would aim to break the apathy over the impasse and stir new diplomatic momentum.&nbsp; 
 
The gathering of ministers in Paris includes the Middle East Quartet - which comprises the United States, Russia, the European Union and United Nations - as well as the Arab League, the UN&nbsp;Security Council and about 20 countries.

France has grown frustrated over the absence of movement towards a &quot;two-state solution&quot; since the collapse of the last round of talks in April 2014, arguing that letting the status quo prevail is like &quot;waiting for a powder keg to explode&quot;.

&quot;We know that we aren&#39;t going to get the Israelis and Palestinians to make peace immediately, but we want to create the right conditions to get the two around the negotiating table,&quot; said a senior French diplomat.

Neither Israel nor the Palestinians have been invited.

The meeting, the first international conference on the issue since Annapolis in the United States in 2007, will not touch on any of the chronic core differences between the two sides.

Its initial focus is to reaffirm existing international texts and resolutions that are based on achieving a Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza Strip co-existing with Israel, an outcome some say is becoming unrealistic.

PROTRACTED IMPASSE

Previous attempts to coax the foes to strike a deal have come to nought. The Palestinians say Israeli settlement expansion in occupied territory is dimming any prospect for the state they seek, with a capital in Arab East Jerusalem.

Israel has demanded tighter security measures from the Palestinians and a crackdown on militants who have attacked Israeli civilians or threaten their safety. It also says Jerusalem is Israel&#39;s indivisible capital and cannot be divided.

The Paris meeting will try to establish working groups comprising various countries that would meet in the coming months and tackle all aspects of the peace process.

Some groups would strive to create&nbsp;economic incentives and security guarantees to convince both sides to return to talks. Others would focus on trying to find ways to break deadlocks that scuttled previous negotiations, or look at whether other peace efforts such as a 2002 Arab initiative remain viable.

&quot;France isn&#39;t trying to reinvent things that already are out there. The idea is to rebuild confidence and convince everybody to work together to find a way to get to the next conference,&quot; the diplomat said. He said the objective was to get Israelis and Palestinians back together after the US&nbsp;elections.

A senior US&nbsp;State Department official said that secretary of state&nbsp;John Kerry&nbsp;would bring no specific proposals to the conference.

US&nbsp;delegates will be in Paris &quot;to listen to the ideas that the French and others may have, and talk through with them what might make sense going forward,&quot; the official said.

While objecting to the French initiative, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stopped short of saying Israel would boycott the conference, although Dore Gold, director-general of Israel&rsquo;s foreign ministry, told reporters in Jerusalem that the initiative was doomed.

&quot;One hundred years ago, two officials by the name of Mark Sykes and Francois-George Picot tried to dictate a new order in the Middle East. It was at the apex of the era of colonialism in our era. This effort utterly failed then, and will completely fail today,&quot; he said.

Sykes and Picot were British and French diplomats who secretly mapped out a Middle East their nations would control on defeating the Ottoman Turks in World War One, but the borders they drew have been blurred by nationalist and sectarian bloodshed in recent years.

The Palestinians have meanwhile shelved plans to push for a UN Security Council resolution condemning settlements to see how the French initiative pans out.

In a column in the French daily Le Monde on Thursday, Palestinian chief negotiator, Saeb Erekat, said the old method of bilateral talks had failed and that it was time to move to a &quot;multilateral framework&quot; that would allow the international community to impose international law in the region.

&quot;We aren&#39;t going to resolve this without the two parties and in the end the difficult choices will have to be made by them,&quot; the French diplomat said.

France has lobbied world major powers to discuss the two-state solution and bring Israel and Palestine back to the table by the end of 2016

France convened foreign ministers from major powers today to put Israel-Palestinian peacemaking back on the international agenda and find a common ground to bring the two sides back to the table by the end of the year. With US efforts to broker a deal on a Palestinian state on Israel-occupied land in deep freeze for two years, and Washington focused on its November presidential election, France has lobbied key players to hold a conference that would aim to break the apathy over the impasse and stir new diplomatic momentum. The gathering of ministers in Paris includes the Middle East Quartet - which comprises the United States, Russia, the European Union and United Nations - as well as the Arab League, the UN Security Council and about 20 countries. France has grown frustrated over the absence of movement towards a "two-state solution" since the collapse of the last round of talks in April 2014, arguing that letting the status quo prevail is like "waiting for a powder keg to explode". "We know that we aren't going to get the Israelis and Palestinians to make peace immediately, but we want to create the right conditions to get the two around the negotiating table," said a senior French diplomat. Neither Israel nor the Palestinians have been invited. The meeting, the first international conference on the issue since Annapolis in the United States in 2007, will not touch on any of the chronic core differences between the two sides. Its initial focus is to reaffirm existing international texts and resolutions that are based on achieving a Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza Strip co-existing with Israel, an outcome some say is becoming unrealistic. PROTRACTED IMPASSE Previous attempts to coax the foes to strike a deal have come to nought. The Palestinians say Israeli settlement expansion in occupied territory is dimming any prospect for the state they seek, with a capital in Arab East Jerusalem. Israel has demanded tighter security measures from the Palestinians and a crackdown on militants who have attacked Israeli civilians or threaten their safety. It also says Jerusalem is Israel's indivisible capital and cannot be divided. The Paris meeting will try to establish working groups comprising various countries that would meet in the coming months and tackle all aspects of the peace process. Some groups would strive to create economic incentives and security guarantees to convince both sides to return to talks. Others would focus on trying to find ways to break deadlocks that scuttled previous negotiations, or look at whether other peace efforts such as a 2002 Arab initiative remain viable. "France isn't trying to reinvent things that already are out there. The idea is to rebuild confidence and convince everybody to work together to find a way to get to the next conference," the diplomat said. He said the objective was to get Israelis and Palestinians back together after the US elections. A senior US State Department official said that secretary of state John Kerry would bring no specific proposals to the conference. US delegates will be in Paris "to listen to the ideas that the French and others may have, and talk through with them what might make sense going forward," the official said. While objecting to the French initiative, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stopped short of saying Israel would boycott the conference, although Dore Gold, director-general of Israel’s foreign ministry, told reporters in Jerusalem that the initiative was doomed. "One hundred years ago, two officials by the name of Mark Sykes and Francois-George Picot tried to dictate a new order in the Middle East. It was at the apex of the era of colonialism in our era. This effort utterly failed then, and will completely fail today," he said. Sykes and Picot were British and French diplomats who secretly mapped out a Middle East their nations would control on defeating the Ottoman Turks in World War One, but the borders they drew have been blurred by nationalist and sectarian bloodshed in recent years. The Palestinians have meanwhile shelved plans to push for a UN Security Council resolution condemning settlements to see how the French initiative pans out. In a column in the French daily Le Monde on Thursday, Palestinian chief negotiator, Saeb Erekat, said the old method of bilateral talks had failed and that it was time to move to a "multilateral framework" that would allow the international community to impose international law in the region. "We aren't going to resolve this without the two parties and in the end the difficult choices will have to be made by them," the French diplomat said.

Major powers meet to revive Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking