The United States will reopen its Consulate General office in Jerusalem, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Tuesday.
The reopening is part of the Israel-Palestine peace talks. Former President Donald Trump closed the office when he formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capitol and moved the United States embassy there. The Jerusalem consulate used to serve as a hub for American diplomatic communications with Palestinian groups and as a de facto embassy. The reopening is expected to help improve diplomatic relations between the United States and the Palestinian Authority. (RELATED: Schumer Wants Trump To Move Faster On Israel Embassy Relocation)
“I’m here to underscore the commitment of the United States to rebuilding the relationship with the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people, a relationship built on mutual respect and also a shared conviction that Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve equal measures of security, freedom opportunity and dignity,” Blinken said, following a Tuesday meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced the reopening of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem — a move that restores ties with the Palestinians that had been downgraded by the Trump administration. https://t.co/YhZIR0p5Zv
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 25, 2021
President Joe Biden promised to help Gaza rebuild following Israel’s campaign against the Hamas terror group.
“The US is committed to working with the UN… and other international stakeholders to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and to marshal international support for the people of Gaza and the Gaza reconstruction efforts,” he said. “We will do this in full partnership with the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas… in a manner that does not permit Hamas to restock its military arsenal.”