Biden to open US Consulate in Jerusalem, restore ties with the PA
The US administration’s decision to reopen its consulate in East Jerusalem was welcomed by the Palestinians, as it paves the way for restoring ties between the United States and the Palestinian Authority, which deteriorated during the Trump era.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — The recent fighting in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the resistance factions prompted the US administration to take political and diplomatic steps in the region and to renew contact with the Palestinian Authority (PA).
On May 15, US President Joe Biden called his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Ramallah May 25.
In conjunction with these moves, the US administration took a number of decisions. Most notably, Blinken announced during his meeting with Abbas in Ramallah the reopening of the US Consulate in Jerusalem.
According to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, Blinken affirmed the United States intends to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem. He noted the administration will ask the US Congress for $75 million in development and economic assistance for Palestinians, and would also provide $5.5 million in relief and $32 million in aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
