Trump to broker peace

Both sides will face tough decisions. But with determination, compromise and the belief that peace is possible, Israelis and Palestinians can make a deal.

— DONALD TRUMP,

US President

Jerusalem, May 23: US President Donald Trump called on Israelis and Palestinians to make compromises that could lead to peace as he wrapped up a visit with a speech in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

“Making peace, however, will not be easy,” Trump told an audience of Israeli politicians and other dignitaries at the Israel Museum.

“Both sides will face tough decisions. But with determination, compromise and the belief that peace is possible, Israelis and Palestinians can make a deal.” Trump again vowed that he was “personally committed” to helping the two sides reach a deal to end the decades-old conflict.

He, however, offered no specifics on how he planned to make progress in resolving a conflict that has bedevilled his predecessors and with widespread scepticism over whether meaningful talks are possible for now. He did not specifically mention the twostate solution, long the focus of international peace efforts and US Middle East diplomacy.

Trump’s speech came after he met Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Bethlehem.