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.
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."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
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.
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.
-
Wilde Cambridge: home-away-from-home in a prime city spotThe Week Recommends This laid-back aparthotel is the perfect base for a weekend of exploring
-
The best alcohol-free alternatives for Dry JanuaryThe Week Recommends Whether emerging from a boozy Christmas, or seeking a change in 2026, here are some of the best non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits to enjoy
-
A lemon-shaped exoplanet is squeezing what we know about planet formationUnder the radar It may be made from a former star
-
What will happen in 2026? Predictions and eventsIn Depth The new year could bring peace in Ukraine or war in Venezuela, as Donald Trump prepares to host a highly politicised World Cup and Nasa returns to the Moon
-
All roads to Ukraine-Russia peace run through the DonbasIN THE SPOTLIGHT Volodymyr Zelenskyy is floating a major concession on one of the thorniest issues in the complex negotiations between Ukraine and Russia
-
Israel approves new West Bank settlementsSpeed Read The ‘Israeli onslaught has all but vanquished a free Palestinian existence in the West Bank’
-
Russia’s ‘weird’ campaign to boost its birth rateUnder the Radar Demographic crisis spurs lawmakers to take increasingly desperate measures
-
US offers Ukraine NATO-like security pact, with caveatsSpeed Read The Trump administration has offered Ukraine security guarantees similar to those it would receive from NATO
-
Hong Kong court convicts democracy advocate LaiSpeed Read Former Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai was convicted in a landmark national security trial
-
Australia weighs new gun laws after antisemitic attackSpeed Read A father and son opened fire on Jewish families at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing at least 15
-
How Bulgaria’s government fell amid mass protestsThe Explainer The country’s prime minister resigned as part of the fallout
