Palestinian President: Peace With Israel Still Achievable
Image by Getty Images
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas responded to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s Middle East speech in Washington on Wednesday by saying he was convinced peace with Israel was achievable, but continuing to demand that Israel halt settlement building before talks restarted.
Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat read out a statement saying Abbas had “reiterated his full commitment to a just peace as a strategic option.” U.S.-backed peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down in 2014.
He said it was Abbas’s position that “the minute the Israeli government agrees to cease all settlement activities, including in East Jerusalem, and agrees to implement … agreements signed, the Palestinian leadership stands ready to resume permanent status negotiations on the basis of international law.”
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
