“In fact, the 2020 Human Rights Report does use the term “occupation” in the context of the current status of the West Bank. This has been the longstanding position of previous administrations of both parties over the course of many decades,” State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

When asked by a reporter as to whether the US considered that the Zionist regime occupied the West Bank as a result of this stance, Price said: “This doesn’t change our position. We – as you have heard me say before, we continue to encourage all sides to avoid actions – both sides, I should say – to avoid actions that would put the two-state solution further out of reach.”

While answering a question regarding US assistance to the Palestinians, Price said: “We continue to believe that American support for the Palestinian people, including financial support – it is in – it is consistent with our values. It is consistent with our interests. Of course, it is consistent with the interests of the Palestinian people.” (ILKHA)