US president Donald Trump has publicised his peace plan for the Middle East, proposing an independent Palestinian state and the retention of Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel.
The plan recognises Israel’s sovereignty over its occupied settlements in the West Bank, guaranteeing that “no Palestinians or Israelis will be uprooted from their homes”. Over 400,000 Israelis currently reside in such settlements.
Speaking at the White House alongside Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said that the plan may be “the last opportunity” for peace.
Trump said: “Today, Israel takes a big step towards peace.
"My vision presents a win-win opportunity for both sides, a realistic two-state solution that resolves the risk of Palestinian statehood to Israel's security.”
Trump said that the agreement will more than double Palestine’s territory as well as providing a Palestinian capital in eastern Jerusalem.
The US president added: “Palestinians are in poverty and violence, exploited by those seeking to use them as pawns to advance terrorism and extremism. They deserve a far better life.
"We will also work to create a contiguous territory within the future Palestinian state, for when the conditions for statehood are met, including the firm rejection of terrorism.”
Netanyahu will travel to Moscow on Wednesday where he will discuss the peace plan with Russia's president Vladimir Putin, according to Israeli officials in Washington DC.
Speaking in the West Bank, where thousands of Palestinians were protesting, Palestine president Mahmoud Abbas labelled the plans a “conspiracy”, adding that Jerusalem and Palestinian rights “are not for sale”.
Abbas said: "I say to Trump and Netanyahu: Jerusalem is not for sale, all our rights are not for sale and are not for bargain. And your deal, the conspiracy, will not pass.”
