Obama criticizes Israel over restrictions on Palestinians, failure to punish settler violence

JERUSALEM – President Barack Obama is criticizing Israel over its treatment of Palestinians who live in the West Bank.

Obama says Palestinians have a right to self-determination and justice that must be recognized. He says Israelis should put themselves in the shoes of their Palestinian neighbours.

Obama says it’s not fair when violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians goes unpunished. He says it’s wrong to restrict Palestinians’ ability to move freely or farm on their land. He says occupation or expulsion of Palestinians isn’t the answer to the conflict.

Obama’s remarks came in a speech in Jerusalem to the Israeli people. It’s the cornerstone of his visit this week to Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian territories.

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