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Trump makes no promises during Bethlehem whistle-stop

US President Donald Trump hit most of the right notes on his visit to Palestine, but what Palestinians need from a peace process is likely not on Trump’s agenda.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas extends his hand to shake hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a joint news conference at the presidential headquarters in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman - RTX375A1
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas extends his hand to shake that of US President Donald Trump during a joint news conference at the presidential headquarters in Bethlehem, West Bank, May 23, 2017. — REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman

The extravagant reception that US President Donald Trump found in Saudi Arabia and the gigantic military and trade deals signed there have left many observers confused as to how the trip will affect the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

By all measures, Trump has hit most of the right notes. He met with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, visited the Palestinian city of Bethlehem and spoke repeatedly about peace.

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