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obama-mideast.jpgPresident Barack Obama has said on a visit to the West Bank that the US is "deeply committed" to creating a sovereign state of Palestine.

Speaking after talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, he said Israeli settlement activity was not "appropriate for peace".

Secretary of State John Kerry would, he added, devote time and energy to trying to bring the two sides closer.

Mr Abbas said the talks in Ramallah had been "good and useful"

However, Palestinian expectations of Mr Obama's visit have been low, analysts say.

On Wednesday, as he began his first visit to Israel as US president, Mr Obama vowed strong support for the country.

He and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict

At a news briefing in Jerusalem, Mr Obama said a central element of securing a lasting peace in the Middle East "must be a strong and secure Jewish state where its security concerns are met, alongside a sovereign and independent Palestinian state".

On Thursday morning, Israeli officials said two rockets were fired from Gaza into southern Israel, but there were no reports of anyone being hurt. A further two rockets fired from Gaza reportedly fell inside Gaza itself.

Mr Abbas condemned "violence against civilians, whatever its source, including the firing of rockets", according to a Palestinian spokesperson.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21872408

Tag(s) : #Moyen et Proche Orient