Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has stated that the Palestinian Authority is not seeking another war with Israel. During a visit to Cairo, Abbas met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi and addressed various issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized that the priority is to protect the Palestinian people, preserve their land and institutions, and pursue a political and diplomatic solution to establish a Palestinian state.
Abbas highlighted the importance of Egyptian support for the Palestinian people and praised Al-Sissi's efforts to end the war and facilitate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. He also acknowledged the role of Egyptian media in covering the situation in Palestine and shedding light on the suffering and national rights of the Palestinian people. The Palestinian leader expressed his appreciation for Egypt's historical significance as the "cradle of Arab countries."
A reconciliation conference is set to take place in Egypt, aiming to unite the Palestinian factions. Abbas stressed that this reconciliation is a national necessity, particularly during this critical period for the Palestinian cause. He emphasized that a unified Palestinian reference and legitimate institutions are essential to manage the affairs of the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.
Abbas announced that legislative elections will be held on November 28, 2026, as a crucial step to preserve the legitimacy of the Palestinian state and reform its institutions. He emphasized that these elections must take place in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, stating, "No elections without Jerusalem or Gaza." The Palestinian leader also discussed the importance of elections for the Palestinian National Council.
Abbas reaffirmed the Palestinian rejection of forced displacement, citing historical experiences such as the 1948 Nakba and the 1967 military defeat. He emphasized that preserving the land and staying on it are fundamental to protecting the Palestinian cause. The Palestinian leader stressed that Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian territory and that any solution must preserve the unity of the people and the land.
Abbas revealed that Israel is withholding $6.5 billion belonging to the Palestinian Authority, which constitutes a significant financial pressure. He expressed optimism about growing European support for the Palestinian cause, with 12 European countries, including the UK, backing a two-state solution. Abbas believes that the international community, including Europe and potentially the US, will increase its support for Palestine in the coming period.
The Palestinian leader expressed hope for a shift in US policy towards Palestine by 2027, citing a perceived change in public opinion in the United States. Abbas drew parallels between the Palestinian struggle and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, which gained significant international support. He emphasized that a peaceful resolution to the conflict requires a unified Palestinian stance and international backing.
Key points
- Palestinians do not want another war with Israel
- A reconciliation conference is set to take place in Egypt
- Israel is withholding $6.5 billion belonging to the Palestinian Authority
