In West Bank Biden says ''ground is not ripe'' for peace

In West Bank Biden says ''ground is not ripe'' for peace

In West Bank Biden says ''ground is not ripe'' for peace

Bethlehem : 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