Ramallah:President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated that occupied East Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the State of Palestine, emphasizing the ongoing priority of supporting Palestinians in the city and preserving its national and religious identity.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency , President Abbas made these statements during a meeting at the Presidential Headquarters in Ramallah. He met with heads of municipalities and local councils in the Jerusalem Governorate, discussing the challenges local authorities face due to ongoing Israeli measures targeting the city and its institutions.
The meeting was attended by PLO Executive Committee member Ahmad Majdalani, Fatah Central Committee member and Jerusalem Governor Adnan Ghaith, and Minister of Local Government Sami Hijjawi. President Abbas highlighted the importance of empowering municipalities and councils to serve residents and maintain their quality of life.
He pointed out that Israeli actions aimed at altering the character and identity of Jerusalem violate international law and cannot change the city's legal status or the rights of Palestinians. President Abbas reaffirmed the commitment of the Palestinian leadership to protect Jerusalem and its holy sites while seeking international support to maintain its historic status.
President Abbas reiterated the goal of establishing an independent State of Palestine based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.