WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says it's more urgent than ever to make peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
Obama spoke Tuesday after meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres at the White House.
Obama told reporters the two had an extensive discussion about unrest sweeping the Middle East and share a belief that it represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Obama said it's "more urgent than ever that we try to seize the opportunity to create a peaceful solution" between the Palestinians and Israelis.
Peace talks have largely stalled in part because Palestinians refuse to negotiate unless Israel stops constructing housing in territory Palestinians claim for a future state. Ahead of Peres' visit, Jerusalem officials gave approval for new development in a contested part of the city.
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