Trump’s adviser and son-in-law jared kushner held separate meetings with Israel And Palestine leaders on Wednesday in a bid to restart a peace talk.
Brokering for resumption of negotiations
Kushner is attempting to broker a deal that will resume negotiations between Israel and Palestine, which collapsed 3 years ago. During his Wednesday’s visit, Kushner was accompanied by Jason Greenblatt, Trump’s Middle East envoy. During Kushner’s trip, reporters were restricted from asking questions.
A White House statement said that Kushner and Greenblatt conversed with President Abbas on priorities for the Palestinians and possible next steps, appreciating the desire for economic prospects for Palestinians and major investments in the Palestinian economy.
On Wednesday, Kushner visited the family of a female Israel police officer who was killed by Palestinian assailants last weekend in Jerusalem. Kushner delivered Trump’s condolences to the family and said that the President asked him to individually deliver the condolences of the American people.
Doubts cast on Kushner’s ability of impartiality
According to Aljazeera, Kushner’s family connection to Israel has sparked criticism from some Palestinian leaders. Kushner’s family has a long relationship with Netanyahu. Palestine leaders sense some bias and the inability of being impartial from Trump’s Middle East team.
Additionally, Kushner’s inexperience in international affairs and government matters is a major bone of contention.
Palestine has cast doubts on his ability to broker dialogue between the two parties. Previous attempts by Obama’s administration, to negotiate peace, led by the former Secretary of State John Kerry, proved to be futile.
US President Donald Trump visited Israel and Palestine last month, in a bid to forge a mutual relationship between the two countries.
During his visit in Israel, Trump said: “The Palestinians are ready to reach for peace.” The President has assigned Kushner what is dubbed as the “ultimate deal” in laying the basis for negotiations between Israel and Palestine. The U.S has advocated for a “two-state solution" for more than 20 years. U.S has striven to see independent Palestinians living closely and at peace with Israel.
Negotiations over the peace deal will entail pressurizing Israel to stop constructing settlements on occupied lands pursued by the Palestinians. It will also include engaging Israel in a move to develop the struggling Palestinian economy.
