The Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), and the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, had a telephone conversation. During the conversation, President Abbas – writes the Palestinian agency Wafa – extended his congratulations to President-elect Trump, wishing him success in his next mandate. The Palestinian leader expressed hope that Trump could lead the United States to further progress and prosperity.
Abbas also reiterated his willingness to collaborate with President Trump to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, based on legitimacy and international principles. In response, President Trump underlined his commitment to ending the war and reiterated his willingness to work with President Abbas, as well as other regional and global actors in efforts to achieve peace in the region
#work #stop #war #Tempo
**Interview with Dr. Hana Abu Saleh, Middle East Peace Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Abu Saleh. Recently, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed strong criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he ”is not a man who believes in peace.” Could you elaborate on what Abbas might be implying with this statement?
**Dr. Abu Saleh:** Thank you for having me. Abbas’s statement reflects a profound sense of frustration regarding the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasizes that Netanyahu’s policies and rhetoric have consistently undermined peace efforts and have not aligned with what many Palestinians see as a genuine commitment to a two-state solution.
**Interviewer:** Abbas also criticized the United States’ role as a broker in the peace process during the interview. Why do you think he feels this way?
**Dr. Abu Saleh:** Historically, the U.S. has positioned itself as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, Abbas and many in the Palestinian leadership feel that the U.S. tends to side with Israel, which compromises its ability to act as an impartial broker. Abbas likely believes that a more balanced approach is necessary for any meaningful negotiations to take place.
**Interviewer:** Given the current geopolitical climate, do you think there are prospects for reviving peace talks between Israel and Palestine?
**Dr. Abu Saleh:** It’s challenging. The situation has become increasingly complex with external influences and internal divisions on both sides. Without a committed dialogue, leadership willing to make sacrifices, and an unbiased mediator, the chances for peace talks remain quite slim.
**Interviewer:** What can be done to break the impasse?
**Dr. Abu Saleh:** It will require renewed grassroots efforts for peace from both sides, as well as international pressure to facilitate dialogue. Civil society initiatives that promote understanding and cooperation can play a crucial role, alongside political will from leaders who genuinely seek compromise.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Abu Saleh, for your insights on this critical issue.
**Dr. Abu Saleh:** Thank you for having me. It’s always important to keep the conversation going.