Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama dwelled on the intractable Middle East conflict in an address to the United Nations on Thursday and said it's time for the Israelis and Palestinians to pave the road to peace.
"Now is the time for the parties to help each other overcome this obstacle. Now is the time to build the trust -- and provide the time -- for substantial progress to be made. Now is the time for this opportunity to be seized, so that it doesn't slip away," Obama said at the annual U.N. General Assembly debate.
World leaders, including Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, heard Obama set down his position for peace. However, the Israeli U.N. delegation was not present because it is Sukkot, a religious holiday in Israel and the Jewish world.
Obama touted the direct negotiations his administration has pursued between Israelis and Palestinians.
CNN
