Middle East/North Africa

Palestinians unimpressed by Obama’s overture in UN address

{mosads}“Let us leave behind those who thrive on conflict, and those who reject the right of Israel to exist,” Obama said Tuesday. “The road is hard but the destination is clear — a secure, Jewish state of Israel; and an independent, prosperous Palestine. Understanding that such a peace must come through a just agreement between the parties, America will walk alongside all who are prepared to make that journey.”

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was more outspoken in his own remarks at the start of the General Assembly.

“After decades of harsh occupation and humiliating restrictions in almost every aspect of their lives, the Palestinians must be able to realize their right to a viable state of their own,” Ban said. “Israel must be able to live in peace and security, free from threats and rockets.”

“The two-state solution is the only sustainable option. Yet the door may be closing, for good. The continued growth of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory seriously undermines efforts toward peace. We must break this dangerous impasse.”