BICOM

Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas met US President Trump for the first time at the White House yesterday.

In a press conference after their meeting President Trump talked in broad terms about how the US could help Israelis and Palestinians reach a peace agreement. The President was clear that only by working together can the parties reach an agreement but he concluded “we will get this done”.

He praised the PA for their work on security coordination with Israel and offered to help boost potential economic opportunities for Palestinians.

But Trump directly criticised Palestinian leaders for their public statements about violence against Israelis. The President said: “There cannot be lasting peace unless the Palestinian leaders speak in a unified voice against incitement to violence and hate… All children of God must be taught to value and respect human life, and condemn all of those who target the innocent.”

White House sources confirmed that President Trump also urged Abbas in private to cease payments to families of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

Commentators in the US and in the Middle East expressed scepticism about what can realistically be achieved, especially as the US administration has not yet articulated a clear strategy for restarting peace talks.

President Abbas praised Trump for his “courageous stewardship,” “wisdom,” and “great negotiating ability”. He promised that the Palestinians would be partners seeking an “historic peace treaty”.

US legislators have warned that US funding for the PA could be reduced or even cut off unless the President stops PA payments to families of prisoners convicted of terrorist offences.

President Trump is due to visit Israel later this month and there is mounting speculation that the US will attempt to arrange a face to face meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas.