President Barack Obama and Israeli President Shimon Peres leave the stage after President Obama signed a guest book, Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Israeli President Shimon Peres residence in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
The president, appearing at a news conference with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank, said Palestinians deserve an independent and sovereign state and an end to occupation by Israel. He said the prospect of a contiguous Palestinian state alongside a Jewish state of Israel continues to exist if negotiations would restart.
"I absolutely believe that it is still possible, but I think it is very difficult," Obama said. He also said it would be helpful if rockets weren't still being launched into Israel.
Abbas said he told the American leader that peace with Israel should not be achieved through violence, occupation, settlements, arrests or denial of refugee rights.
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