Former ambassador to Jordan and Palestine Andy Rachmianto said the victory of Joe Biden in the US election earlier this month would improve prospects, because the two-state solution was expected to return as the basis for the peace process in the Middle East.

“I think the consequence may be that Trump's deal of the century is no longer relevant,” Andy, who now holds a senior post at the Foreign Ministry in Jakarta, said on Sunday in a webinar to commemorate Palestine’s declaration of independence in 1988.

“Secondly, the peace process will be resumed, and I think the US will take the lead as mediator, together with the other members of the Quartet [of peace negotiators] -- Russia, the United Nations and the European Union.”

Since assuming office in 2016, Trump has taken a very pro-Israel stance with policies that have often outraged Palestinians, including when he recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Trump also moved the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, cut US assistance for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees and, most significantly, introduced “the deal of century” earlier this year.

The proposal, which had not been discussed with any Palestinians, laid out a vision for establishing an independent Palestinian state while also formalizing Israeli sovereignty over settlements built in the occupied territory.

Read also: Kindred spirits: Indonesia’s 75 years of unwavering support for Palestine

Popular

Indonesia's silvermen beg to make ends meet

Consumer confidence inches up from multi-month low

BNN to launch study on the use of marijuana for medical purposes