In West Bank, Joe Biden says ground not ripe for peace

Bethlehem, July 15

During a visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Friday, President Joe Biden offered compassion and financial assistance for hope-starved Palestinians but also delivered a blunt acknowledgment that the “ground is not ripe” for new attempts to reach an elusive peace.

Political uncertainty in Israel and the weakness of Palestinian leadership has dimmed any chance of restarting negotiations that broke down more than a decade ago. The stalemate has left millions of Palestinians living under Israeli military rule. Although such a goal “can seem so far away,” he said he wouldn’t abandon the dormant peace process. “Even if the ground is not ripe, the US will not give up on bringing both sides closer,” Biden said in presence of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. — Agencies

US prez reaches Saudi arabia

Biden reached Saudi Arabia on Friday as Washington looks to reset its relationship with a country that the US President once pledged to make a “pariah” on the global stage. Energy and security interests prompted Biden to decide not to isolate the Gulf oil giant that has been strengthening ties with Russia and China.