Obama meets Abbas in Ramallah

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After an effusive welcome in Israel, U.S. President Barack Obama travelled to the occupied West Bank on Thursday (March 21) for talks with Palestinian leaders who accuse him of sidelining their dream of statehood.

A smiling Obama, accompanied by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, was met by mostly stern-faced Palestinian officials along a red carpet - a stark contrast to the broad grins and backslapping during an elaborate welcoming ceremony on Wednesday at Tel Aviv airport.

Obama has made clear he is not bringing any new peace initiatives but instead has come to Israel and the Palestinian Territories on a "listening" tour.

Obama held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (March 21).