Ramallah: President Mahmoud Abbas today expressed Palestine's commitment to continue collaborating with US President Donald Trump and other partners, with hopes that 2026 will bring advancements in resolving the Palestinian cause, citing encouraging signals from the US administration.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, President Abbas shared his remarks during a ceremony where he received an honorary doctorate from the Arab American University in Ramallah. He highlighted Palestine's support for the establishment of the Palestinian Administrative Committee in the Gaza Strip as part of the transitional phase and acknowledged President Trump's efforts along with those of mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey toward implementing the second phase of Trump's plan.
The President emphasized the necessity of unifying the institutions of the Palestinian National Authority across the West Bank and Gaza, warning against forming parallel administrative, legal, or security systems that could deepen divisions. His vision includes the right to self-determination, the return of the Palestinian people, and the foundation of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He articulated a vision for a democratic Palestinian state, committed to equal citizenship, political pluralism, and freedom of expression, governed by the rule of law, human rights, and equality. President Abbas underscored the importance of direct elections for democratic governance, which he sees as the only path for the peaceful transition of power. Preparations for upcoming elections include drafting a temporary constitution and political parties law.
President Abbas reiterated Palestine's adherence to international law and commitments to agreements and treaties with other states and organizations. He advocated for peaceful resistance, alongside political, diplomatic, and legal efforts, as the strategy to end the occupation.
Despite challenges, including the catastrophe from ongoing conflict in Gaza, President Abbas voiced the resilience of the Palestinian people in preserving their identity and rebuilding efforts. He expressed confidence in Palestinian universities for advancing knowledge and fostering scientific research, stressing the importance of science and technology for national progress.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of writing and presenting an authentic Palestinian history, countering false narratives that distort the reality and history of the Palestinian people.