US Secretary of State John Kerry claims that peace efforts in the Middle East would face 'grave jeopardy' over the refusal of Israel to accede to the resolution of the UN Security Council declaring Jewish settlements in occupied territories illegal.
Kerry, according to BBC, said that the peace efforts between Israel and Palestine to agree to two-state solution rest on uncertain terms as the Israeli infrastructures continue to rest in occupied territories of Palestine.
"The two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It is the only way to ensure Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state. That future is now in jeopardy, " Kerry said.
Kerry adds "the Israeli prime minister publicly supports a two-state solution, but his current coalition is the most right-wing in Israeli history with an agenda driven by the most extreme elements. The result is that policies of this government, which the prime minister himself just described as more committed to settlements than any Israel's history, are leading in the opposite direction. They are leading towards one state."
Kerry 's statement was also somewhat supported by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas saying that he is convinced that peace is still achievable only until Israel would cease building settlements before they could resume negotiations.
"The minute the Israeli government agrees to cease all settlement activities, including in East Jerusalem, and agrees to implement ... agreements signed, the Palestinian leadership stands ready to resume permanent status negotiations on the basis of international law," Abbas was quoted in a statement issued through Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat.
The "two-state solution" is the moniker for what could be the final settlement for the establishment of an independent state of Palestine within the pre-1967 ceasefire borders along the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem. This proposal is seen as an amenable deal concurred by the Arab League, United Nations, European Union and the United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, countered that Kerry's speech was focused on the settlements issue and that it was "unbalanced" and "paid lip service to the unremitting Palestinian campaign of terrorism."
The Prime Minister further points out that Kerry "does not see the simple truth" since the center of all the conflict is Palestine's refusal to recognize the existence of Israel. President- elect Donald Trump also seems to go in favor if Israel and openly expresses his support for the long-time ally of the US.
Trump also took to social media by stating that he would not allow Israel to be treated with "disdain and disrespect" urging Israel to "stay strong" until he gets into office in January.
