Palestinian Authority, Biden administration make first contact

The Palestinian Authority [PA] announced on Monday it has initiated contact with the new US administration, following a Palestinian boycott of Washington after Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh has been in contact with a representative of US President Joe Biden's administration.

Shtayyeh spoke with Hady Amr, a US government official serving as deputy assistant secretary for Israeli and Palestinian affairs.

They discussed the restoration of Palestinian-American relations, the opening of diplomatic and consular offices, resuming US aid and supporting the UN Relief and Works Agency [UNRWA], Shtayyeh said.

Amr, born in Lebanon, was former President Barack Obama's deputy special envoy for the Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations for Economics and Gaza.

With his experience and close ties to the Palestinian leadership, he is expected to restore some of the lost trust in Washington during the Trump administration.

The Biden administration has already reversed several decisions made by the previous White House administration, viewed as heavily biased toward Israel.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected