U.S Embassy Jerusalem
PRESS STATEMENT – For Immediate Release
July 16, 2021
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israel and Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr Completes Productive Visit to Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Tel Aviv, July 11 – 16, 2021
On July 16, 2021, Deputy Assistant Secretary Hady Amr concluded a series of productive engagements with a wide range of Israelis and Palestinians during his week-long visit to Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Tel Aviv. His visit was guided by the objective of the United States to advance equal measures of freedom, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians alike in ways that are tangible, and achievable in the near term and beyond. His visit successfully advanced the goal of deepening understanding with Israelis and Palestinians in this regard.
DAS Amr found his meetings with civil society and private sector representatives particularly helpful for understanding the detailed needs, perspectives, and suggestions of both Israelis and Palestinians outside government. Those engagements focused on the importance of human rights – including women’s rights – and the work of civil society, as well as the need to provide hope, opportunity, and a political horizon, especially for young people. They also discussed the value of diversity and inclusion in both the private sector and in governance and finding a realistic path to a long term and comprehensive peace.
DAS Amr took those perspectives and ideas into his meetings with Israeli and Palestinian government officials, where he also discussed issues ranging from human rights and the rule of law, economic development, energy, water, and regional cooperation to the urgent need for humanitarian relief in Gaza.
The current focus of the United States is on improving the situation on the ground and relations between Israelis and Palestinians, which together are important in their own right, and are also important as a means ultimately to advance towards a comprehensive peace.
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