Earlier this month, former President of the United States Jimmy Carter called on the current President Barack Obama to recognise Palestinian statehood before he leaves office in January.I am convinced that the United States can still shape the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before a change in presidents, but time is very short.

The simple but vital step this administration must take before its term expires on 20 January is to grant American diplomatic recognition to the state of Palestine.

He also criticised the building of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land.

Israel is building more and more settlements, displacing Palestinians and entrenching its occupation of Palestinian lands.

Over 4.5 million Palestinians live in these occupied territories, but are not citizens of Israel.

Most live largely under Israeli military rule, and do not vote in Israel’s national elections.

President-elect Trump has previously said he would continue with current US policy in the region, while an Israeli government minister said his victory meant that:

The era of a Palestinian state is over.

Around the world 137 countries and territories have recognised Palestine as a state, most recently of which was the Vatican.https://www.indy100.com/article/palestine-country-recognise-barack-obama-united-states-jimmy-carter-7472401