(VOVworld) – President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that he has not given up hope for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict but said tensions in the region and “serious questions about overall commitment” have made progress difficult.

US President Barack Obama arrives to speak at an event recognizing emerging global entrepreneurs at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 11, 2015. (Photo: Reuters)

In an interview with the UK-based “Asharq al-Awsat” newspaper, Obama said he saw that the upcoming path was very difficult and the US was reviewing its approach to the conflict. He said he hoped that the Israeli government and the Palestinians would show – through policies and actions – genuine commitment to a two-state solution.
Israel’s parliament approved a bill on Monday to expand the government cabinet. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will submit his new list of cabinet members by next Monday.