Video: NBC News
With US President Biden's visit to Israel coming to an end later today, the President presented his vision of the future of the peace process between Israel and the PA during a speech at Augusta Victoria Hospital in eastern Jerusalem.
Biden arrived at the location without an Israeli diplomatic representative, a move many in the Israeli political scene interpreted as a snub to the country's sovereignty in the capital.
During the visit, Biden invoked the memory of "great Irish poets," quoting a few lines about hope and justice "on this side of the grave" in a possible hint that he hopes to reinfuse the peace process between Israel and the PA.
The President spoke about the work nurses around the world put in to help rehabilitate sick patients, telling a story about his son recuperating following his stint in Iraq. He reminded listeners that the US and the Agency for International Development had donated $85 million to PA hospitals since 2014 and after proclaiming that, "Every person in the world deserves dignity" pledged an additional $100 million for the "Health system of the Palestinian people."
Biden praised the UAE for joining the effort and pledging $25 million for the PA health system, and encouraged other regional partners to assist the endeavor.
"Palestinian and Israelis deserve an equal measure of security, prosperity, and dignity," stressed Biden. "Access to health care when you need it is essential for dignity for all of us," he continued.
Biden ended the presentation on a lighter note, joking that, "I could say much more but if my mother were here, she'd look at me and say: Joey, hush up - you've spoken too long..."
Following the stopover, Biden will meet Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem and then continue to Saudi Arabia.
Days before Biden's visit, Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, warned of the perceived significance of Biden's visit to a hospital in eastern Jerusalem.
"It is extremely problematic," Danon told Radio 103FM at the time. "Even Obama didn't do such a thing, and this is happening on Lapid's watch. It sends a signal to the Palestinians that they may one day have official status in eastern Jerusalem."