Trump likes the concept of a two-state solution, but will leave the decision to Israelis and Palestinians

US President Donald Trump stated that he likes the concept of two states as a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, expressing his stance for the first time since his statements at a recent press conference caused international criticism, Reuters reports, as carried by Patria.   

However, in an interview with Reuters, Trump did not confirm that America is committed to a potential Palestinian state; instead, he reiterated that he would be "happy with whatever works for both sides."

Trump's comments come as a surprise after he stated on February 15 at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his administration would no longer insist on the formation of an independent Palestinian state as part of a future peace agreement.

- No, I like the two-state solution, Trump said when asked if he had changed his mind about the concept during the joint conference. "But ultimately, I like what both sides like," he clarified.

- This has been discussed for many years. It hasn't worked so far, Trump explained. He then reiterated his revised position, saying: "I like the two-state solution, but I am happy with whatever satisfies both sides."

A one-state solution would be problematic for both sides. One concept would involve two systems for two peoples, which many Palestinians would see as apartheid and an endless occupation. Another version would involve equal rights for all, including for Palestinians in the annexed West Bank, but this would compromise Israel's Jewish character.  

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against rejecting the idea of two states, explaining that "there is no alternative." The leaders of Egypt and Jordan have confirmed their commitment to this goal.

At a recent press conference, Trump promised to work on a peace agreement, but stated that it requires compromise from both sides. He also surprised Netanyahu by asking him to "refrain from settlement construction for a while."

However, at the conference, he did not offer any new "recipe" for achieving an agreement that his numerous predecessors could not achieve. Palestinian anger over his apparent favoritism towards Israel could be an obstacle in the attempt to bring them back to the negotiating table, writes Reuters.