US merges Palestinian Affairs office into Jerusalem Embassy

The Trump administration is dissolving the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs and merging its operations into the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, placing it under the authority of Ambassador Mike Huckabee and ending its direct reporting to Washington. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that this move restores the Trump-era framework of a unified diplomatic mission in Israel's capital, aligning with policies from Trump's first term. The Biden administration had previously reopened the Office of Palestinian Affairs to maintain direct engagement with Palestinians, but the new merger is seen as a potential downgrading of U.S.-Palestinian relations. While U.S. officials insist the change does not diminish outreach to Palestinians, critics note it comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in Gaza, raising concerns about future U.S. representation and influence in Palestinian affairs.