US Encourages Direct Negotiations Between Palestinians, Israelis on Peace Plan

US Encourages Direct Negotiations Between Palestinians, Israelis on Peace Plan
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US Encourages Direct Negotiations Between Palestinians, Israelis on Peace Plan

US Encourages Direct Negotiations Between Palestinians, Israelis on Peace Plan

The US State Department Regional Spokesperson, Erica Chiusano, said that Washington was ready to support direct dialogue between Palestinian and Arab leaderships - who opposed the US peace plan, known as the “deal of the century” - and Israeli officials.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Chiusano noted that the proposed US vision of peace offered a realistic solution based on the establishment of two states and provided a verifiable path that would lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state, in which the legitimate aspirations of the people of Palestine to independence, autonomy, and national dignity would be achieved through a peace agreement with Israel.

“We ask the Palestinian leadership to get to know the details of this vision of peace, and to study it fully,” she stated.

She noted that if Palestinians had fears about parts of the plan, the US would encourage them to contribute to direct negotiations with the Israelis and express their specific objections at the negotiating table.

Chuisano stressed that the absolute rejection of the plan would only perpetuate the desperate status quo and would not help shape the optimal solution that the world would offer to the generations of Israelis and Palestinians, who have been suffering for decades because of this ongoing conflict.

The US spokesperson went on to say that her country has provided “the best and most realistic solution” for the parties, adding that it was now up to the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships to discuss and negotiate the basis of that vision.

“The United States is ready to provide broad assistance to facilitate a final peace agreement,” she emphasized.

On Iran, Chuisano highlighted the continued US policy of maximum pressure campaign, based on economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and military deterrence.

The United States has withheld the funds of the Iranian regime used to finance terrorism, and it targets sources of export revenue that Tehran may use to finance and support its nuclear program, to develop missiles, and to fund its terrorist proxies, as well as its malicious regional influence, she affirmed.



MSF Chief: Sudan’s Situation Worst We’ve Ever Seen

International President of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Christos Christou
International President of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Christos Christou
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MSF Chief: Sudan’s Situation Worst We’ve Ever Seen

International President of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Christos Christou
International President of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Christos Christou

The health situation in Sudan is “the worst ever,” according to Christos Christou, the international president of Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Christou warned that conditions are deteriorating rapidly due to severe challenges in movement, a limited presence of international aid organizations, and inadequate funding from donors.
Christou reported that more than 70% of health facilities have shut down, and malnutrition is on the rise.
He predicted a surge in malaria and cholera cases with the rainy season approaching.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused the world’s fastest-growing displacement crisis, worsening malnutrition among children and pregnant women.
Remaining health facilities are overwhelmed and at risk of collapse due to increasing violence, attacks, and looting.
During his recent visit to Sudan, Christou met with Deputy Chairman of the Sovereignty Council Malik Agar and senior health officials to discuss ways to improve humanitarian aid delivery.
Christou described the patterns of displacement, malnutrition, and other humanitarian needs in Sudan as “deeply troubling.”
He noted that humanitarian aid is not reaching enough people and stressed the urgent need to “scale up the humanitarian response.” This, he added, requires guarantees of protection from all warring parties.
According to Christou, one in three patients treated by the organization suffers from war-related injuries, with most being women and children. He called on all fighting parties to “do everything possible to protect civilians.”
“We have heard many patient testimonies about violence driven by ethnic motives, especially in Darfur,” Christou said.
MSF is in constant contact with all warring parties to ensure healthcare continues.
“We must remind them to follow international humanitarian law, protect civilians and infrastructure, and not use weapons in health facilities,” added the MSF president.
Christou emphasized that MSF provides life-saving healthcare to all in need in Sudan, remaining neutral and impartial.