In a phone call with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, US President Joe Biden expressed his support Wednesday for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as his administration restored aid to the Palestinians severed under former president Donald Trump.
A statement released by the White House revealed, “President Joe Biden spoke today with King Abdullah II of Jordan to express strong US support for Jordan and underscore the importance of the King’s leadership to the United States and the region.”
The two leaders also discussed the “strong bilateral ties” between the countries.
ALSO READ | US President Joe Biden ‘disturbed’ by Alexei Navalny’s deteriorating health in prison: Jen Psaki
“The President also affirmed that the United States supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the statement read.
The two-state solution would establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. In theory, this would win Israel security and allow it to retain a Jewish demographic majority while granting the Palestinians a state.
Meanwhile, President Biden’s administration said Wednesday the United States would again support the UN agency caring for Palestinian refugees with a contribution of $150 million, repealed under former president Donald Trump.
Along with it, the United States will also offer $75 million in economic and development assistance for the West Bank and Gaza and $10 million for peacebuilding efforts.
“US foreign assistance for the Palestinian people serves important US interests and values. It provides critical relief to those in great need, fosters economic development and supports Israeli-Palestinian understanding, security coordination and stability,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
ALSO READ | Russia hails ‘successful’ start to talks to save Iran nuclear deal
However, following the announcement, Israel’s ambassador was quick to voice his disappointment around the resumption of the aid to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
“I have expressed my disappointment and objection to the decision to renew UNRWA’s funding without first ensuring that certain reforms, including stopping the incitement and removing anti-Semitic content from its educational curriculum, are carried out,” Ambassador Gilad Erdan said in a statement.
