Palestinian FM Calls for More Emphasis on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Maliki said that the international community should give more emphasis and attention to how to deal with Israeli - Palestinian problem and put more effort to resolve it as soon as possible.

MUNICH, (Sputnik) – The international community should give more attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even though the Islamic State jihadist group also has to be dealt with, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Maliki said Sunday at the Munich Security Conference.

"It is more important today, when we look at Daesh [Islamic State] as a phenomenon and try to find a way how to deal with it, I believe that we should always give more emphasis and attention to how to deal with Israeli — Palestinian problem and put more effort to resolve it as soon as possible," Maliki said, adding that the Islamic State was a temporary phenomenon that has to be challenged.

Palestinians seek the creation of an independent state on the territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, partially occupied by Israel, as well as on the Gaza Strip territory.

In July 2014 the Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensified as Israel launched Operation Protective Edge against the Hamas forces in Gaza. According to the United Nations, over 2,000 Palestinians and 71 Israelis were killed during the operation. On August 26, the sides agreed to an open-ended ceasefire.

Islamic State is a jihadist group fighting the Syrian government since 2011. The group's influence spread to Iraq, with the insurgents proclaiming Islamic caliphate on territories under its control.