US considers one-state solution for Palestine

16 February 2017

Trump’s comments contradicted the US’ historic position of lobbying for a two-state solution

The US has changed its position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by saying it will no longer insist on a two-state solution.

“So I’m looking at two states and one state,” said US President Donald Trump. “And I like the one that both parties like. I’m very happy with the one that both parties like.”

Trump made the comments during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 15 February, where he promised to deliver a “great peace deal.”

Trump’s comments contradicted the US’ historic position of lobbying for a two-state solution that would see the creation of an independent state of Palestine within pre-1967 borders made up of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem.

The concept of a two-state solution remains the position of the UN, the Arab League and the European Union, although it often faces opposition from hardline Palestinian and Israeli groups.

A two-state solution has been under increased pressure in recent years as Israel continues to approve thousands of new settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, a policy which has been deemed against international law. 

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