Although he has not given up, Trump seems less optimistic regarding chances for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In conversation with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at the White House in Washington, US President Donald Trump’s tone regarding prospects for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal seemed less hopeful than just a few months ago, although he has not given up.
A businessman, the US president had welcomed the challenge as an opportunity to broker the “ultimate deal.” Speaking at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem in May to Israeli public officials, Trump said that Palestinians and Israelis were both ready for peace.
In discussion Thursday to the Kuwaiti leader, Trump seemed less confident on this issue, describing the initiative as one of the most “complex and difficult,” according to the AFP news agency.
“I think we have a chance, I think the Palestinians would like to see it happen, I think the Israelis would like to see it happen,” he said, AFP reported. “I think there is a chance there could be peace, but then again I say that a little bit reluctantly… we are going to give it our best.”
One of the reasons for Trump’s waning enthusiasm is likely Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas’ refusal to end the PA policy of funding terror and glorifying so-called Martyrs, in defiance of US demands.
