RAMALLAH, Tuesday, May 31, 2022 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas received a phone call this evening from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during which they discussed the latest political developments and the escalating situation in the Palestinian territories, particularly in Jerusalem and its holy sites.

President Abbas warned that the current situation has become intolerable in the absence of a political horizon, continued lack of international protection for the Palestinian people, and Israel’s ongoing evasion of its obligations under signed agreements and international resolutions. He condemned Israel’s unilateral actions, including settler incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the recent “March of the Flags” in occupied East Jerusalem, and restrictions preventing Palestinians from accessing holy sites to freely practice their religious rites—violations of the historical and legal status quo.

He also highlighted Israel’s ongoing policies of forced displacement of Palestinian families in Jerusalem, home demolitions, extrajudicial killings, colonial settlement expansion, and settler terrorism.

President Abbas stressed that the Palestinian leadership is taking steps to confront this escalation, particularly in light of the international community’s failure to compel Israel to adhere to international law and the continued silence of the US administration regarding Israeli violations, including practices of ethnic cleansing and racial discrimination.

He reiterated the need for the US administration to:

• Remove the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from the US “terror” list.

• Reopen the US consulate in East Jerusalem.

• Reopen the PLO office in Washington, as a reflection of a serious and full partnership in the peace process.

President Abbas emphasized that statements of condemnation are no longer sufficient, and called on the US to translate its words into concrete actions. He confirmed that the Palestinian leadership will continue its efforts to mobilize international support to confront Israeli violations, which have reached an unacceptable level.

For his part, Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the Biden administration’s commitment to the two-state solution, preserving the historical status quo at holy sites, halting settlement expansion, forced expulsions, and unilateral actions by all sides. He reiterated the administration's commitment to reopening the US consulate in Jerusalem.

Blinken informed President Abbas that a high-level US delegation will soon visit the region to prepare for President Biden’s upcoming trip, discuss the issues raised during the call, and help create conditions conducive to the visit’s success.

He also expressed the administration’s determination to ensure a credible investigation into the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and to hold those responsible accountable.

Secretary Blinken concluded by emphasizing the United States' intention to help improve the living conditions of Palestinians, de-escalate tensions, and restore hope for peace and stability in the region.