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“Ultimately, it is possible to continue pursuing a two-state solution, which we continue to believe is the only way to truly guarantee Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state, and of course give Palestinians their state,” he said in Jerusalem. as quoted from France24, Wednesday (26/5/2021).
During his visit, Blinken promised to rebuild US relations with Palestine by reopening the consulate in Jerusalem and providing millions of aid to help the war-torn Gaza Strip.
See photo: Meeting Mahmoud Abbas, US Foreign Minister Antony Blinken promised Rp1 trillion in aid for Palestine
The announcement signaled a break with US policies under former president Donald Trump who closed the diplomatic mission to Palestine in 2019 and cut aid to the Palestinian Authority.
US President Joe Biden’s top diplomat reiterated support for Israel’s right to defend against rocket attacks by the Islamist group Hamas, which he said should not benefit from the relief effort.
“The United States’ commitment to rebuilding relations with the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people, a relationship built on mutual respect as well as a shared belief that Palestine and Israel share the right to equal security measures, opportunities for freedom and dignity,” Blinken stressed. .
The language hints at a significant change in tone from the Trump administration, whose Middle East peace plan Palestinians reject because it sided so strongly with Israel.
“The United States will move forward with the process of reopening our consulate in Jerusalem,” Blinken said after meeting Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.
Also read: Ensure Gaza Ceasefire Lasts, Blinken Goes to Israel and Palestine
A senior Palestinian official told AFP that the US-Palestinian committee was also discussing how to reopen the Palestine Liberation Organization offices in Washington, which were closed during the Trump administration.
Blinken also promised financial aid for the Palestinians and emergency assistance to help rebuild the impoverished Gaza Strip, as well as efforts to shore up a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“The United States will inform Congress of our intention to provide USD75 million in additional development and economic assistance to Palestine by 2021,” he said.
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