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Washington Affirms Commitment to Two-state Solution, Reopening US Consulate in Jerusalem

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan - (DPA)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan - (DPA)
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Washington Affirms Commitment to Two-state Solution, Reopening US Consulate in Jerusalem

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan - (DPA)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan - (DPA)

United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan assured Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that Washington is committed to the two-state solution it promised to the Palestinians.

This came during the “frank and clear" talks between Abbas and Sullivan on Thursday, said the Palestinian presidency spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh.

Abbas said Palestinians are still waiting for President Joe Biden to implement his promises regarding the two-state solution, halting settlements, not displacing Jerusalemite citizens and reopening the US Consulate in East Jerusalem.

According to Abu Rudeineh, Sullivan affirmed that the administration is keen to resolve all these issues.

He told Bennett that Biden is committed to the two-state solution, plans to reopen the US consulate in Jerusalem and has reservations about all the settlement measures, the spokesman added.

The meeting took place following the top US official’s recent meetings with Israeli officials which focused on Iran’s nuclear plans.

Abbas and Sullivan agreed on the importance of joint action by all relevant parties to achieve peace and stability in the region.

Sullivan conveyed Biden’s greetings to Abbas and his affirmation of the US commitment to the two-state solution.

Abbas, for his part, briefed Sullivan on the latest developments in the Palestinian territories, urging the US to put an end to settlement activities and settlers's attacks.

He underscored the importance of respecting the historical situation in Al-Aqsa Mosque, ending the expulsion of Palestinian residents from Jerusalem neighborhoods, halting tax cuts and the stifling of the Palestinian economy.

“Abbas stressed the need to end unilateral Israeli practices that undermine the two-state solution and implement the signed agreements to start a real political process, in line with the international legitimacy and UN resolutions.”

He also underlined the importance of bolstering bilateral ties and overcoming the obstacles that hinder their development.

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UNHCR Praises Saudi Support Amid Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center distributes food aid in the city of Umm Rawaba, North Kordofan State, Sudan (SPA)
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center distributes food aid in the city of Umm Rawaba, North Kordofan State, Sudan (SPA)
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UNHCR Praises Saudi Support Amid Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center distributes food aid in the city of Umm Rawaba, North Kordofan State, Sudan (SPA)
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center distributes food aid in the city of Umm Rawaba, North Kordofan State, Sudan (SPA)

A senior United Nations official has described the ongoing crisis in Sudan as one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies, yet also among the least funded. Less than 18 percent of the $1.8 billion needed to support relief operations in 2025 has been secured.

Mamadou Dian Balde, Regional Director of the UNHCR for East Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes, and the agency’s regional refugee coordinator for Sudan, stressed the importance of Saudi Arabia’s continued support.

He noted that the Kingdom’s contribution remains vital to maintaining life-saving aid, especially at a time when global humanitarian funding is shrinking.

During a recent visit to Riyadh, Balde met with key Saudi officials to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation with UNHCR. His discussions focused on supporting over 27 million refugees and displaced individuals across East Africa, the Horn of Africa, and surrounding regions.

He stressed that Saudi Arabia’s partnership, both through direct aid and international collaboration, has played a crucial role in sustaining relief efforts in the face of the largest displacement crisis worldwide.

Balde’s visit included meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), the Saudi Fund for Development, and Islamic development institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development. He also consulted with humanitarian and religious organizations like the Muslim World League and the World Assembly of Muslim Youth.

In Sudan, despite limited resources, UNHCR continues to deliver core services such as refugee registration, relocation to safer areas, and distribution of emergency supplies. This includes shelter kits, blankets, mosquito nets, solar lamps, and kitchen essentials, as well as medical supplies and support for survivors of gender-based violence and unaccompanied children.

Balde highlighted the scale of the crisis, pointing to nearly 13 million Sudanese who have been displaced in just two years, with 4 million fleeing across borders. He warned that displacement is accelerating, citing the arrival of approximately 2,000 new refugees daily in Chad due to recent violence in North Darfur.

With only 11 percent of the regional response plan for Sudan funded, humanitarian actors face difficult choices, often unable to reach all those in need.

Looking ahead, UNHCR’s strategy combines emergency relief with long-term development.

Balde stressed the need to integrate refugees into national systems, improve host community services, and avoid parallel aid structures, Balde told Asharq Al-Awsat.

For 2025, the agency and its partners require $1.8 billion to assist 4.8 million people, including refugees, returnees, and local communities across the region.