Trump to work as ‘mediator’ for Middle East peace

US President Donald Trump today expressed confidence that a peace deal could be reached between Israelis and Palestinians.

Speaking after his meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at the White House, Trump said:

We want to establish peace between Israel and the Palestinians and we will achieve that… We will be an intermediary between the parties to reach this agreement.

The US president called on Palestinians to speak with one voice against incitement and hate speech.

US President Donald Trump meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Oval Office of the White House on May 3, 2017 in Washington, DC. [Thaer Ganaim/Apaimages]

Abbas added that the Palestinians recognise the State of Israel, and the time has come for Israel to end its occupation of the Palestinian people and their land, adding that all final status issues are resolved, including refugees and prisoners in accordance with international law.

He stressed that achieving a just peace strengthens the Arab initiative and enhances the chances of defeating Daesh.

Abbas’ visit to the White House comes two and a half months after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in America to meet Trump.