White House blasts Palestinian government's comments on United States

U.S. officials fired back Saturday following a conversation between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which Abbas told Putin he didn't trust the United States or the Biden administration.
The White House was reportedly "deeply disappointed" in Abbas' remarks, said a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council.
Abbas told Putin during an international summit in Kazakhstan that Palestine was inherently mistrustful of the U.S., and that the country couldn't work as a mediator between Palestine and Israel. "Under no circumstances can we accept that America is the sole party in resolving a problem," Abbas added.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In a statement, the NSC said, "President Biden ... has demonstrated U.S. commitment for decades to seeking creative solutions and working toward the lasting peace ... throughout the Middle East."
Sources reportedly told Axios that senior officials within the Biden administration were "furious" and made their anger clear to Abbas' advisors.
In addition to lambasting the U.S., Abbas also praised Putin for Russia's support of Palestine, claiming to be "happy and satisfied." He also spoke of Russia's commitment to "justice and international law," even as the country continues its months-long invasion of Ukraine.
The NSC responded, "Russia does NOT stand for justice and international law, as evidenced by the latest vote at the U.N. General Assembly."
This standoff between the U.S. and Palestine comes just weeks after senior Palestinian officials were hosted in Washington, D.C., in a meeting that U.S. officials told The Times of Israel was mostly positive.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
Javier Milei's memecoin scandal
Under The Radar Argentinian president is facing impeachment calls and fraud accusations
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Who is actually running DOGE?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION The White House said in a court filing that Elon Musk isn't the official head of Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency task force, raising questions about just who is overseeing DOGE's federal blitzkrieg
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
How does the Kennedy Center work?
The Explainer The D.C. institution has become a cultural touchstone. Why did Trump take over?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Russia frees US teacher Marc Fogel in murky 'exchange'
Speed Read He was detained in Moscow for carrying medically prescribed marijuana
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Hamas pauses Gaza hostage release, upending ceasefire
Speed Read Hamas postponed the next scheduled hostage release 'until further notice,' accusing Israel of breaking the terms of their ceasefire deal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Baltic States unplug from Russian grid, join EU's
Speed Read Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are disconnecting from the Soviet-era electricity grid to join the EU's network
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
At least 11 killed in Sweden adult ed school shooting
Speed Read The worst mass shooting in Swedish history took place in Orebro
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Riviera of the Middle East': what does Trump's Gaza plan mean for the region?
Today's Big Question Suggestion that the US take over and redevelop the war-torn region, and displace its Palestinian residents, has been condemned by Arab allies but welcomed by Israel
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical
By The Week Staff Published
-
Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Thailand
Speed Read The law grants same-sex spouses the same rights as married heterosexual couples
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
After Gaza: what is Israel doing in the West Bank?
Today's Big Question Benjamin Netanyahu launches 'extensive and significant' operation, with deadly strikes on Jenin, arrests and checkpoints across the occupied territory
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published