Palestinian president lashes out at US over Gaza situation

RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territory – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has lashed out at the United States over its proposals to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Abbas in a speech on Wednesday said of U.S. officials: “I swear to God, they are liars.”

Abbas added that he believes the U.S. is trying to promote Gaza aid projects to serve its own interests.

Palestinians have been split since the Islamic militant group Hamas seized Gaza in 2007, ousting Abbas’s forces. Abbas now governs just parts of the West Bank. Repeated reconciliation attempts failed between the bitter rivals.

President Donald Trump has promised to pursue the “ultimate deal” between the Palestinians and Israel.

The Palestinians have rejected the U.S. as peace broker following Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and his moving the embassy there.