Jerusalem:Hussein Al-Sheikh, Deputy Head of the State of Palestine, engaged in discussions today with André Parant, the French Special Envoy for the Strengthening of the State of Palestine. The meeting focused on the latest developments concerning the Palestinian cause, particularly in light of the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the escalating attacks by settlers in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, the meeting was attended by key figures including Théo Siberrodis, Political Counselor at the French Consulate General in Jerusalem; Salomé Bataille, an official responsible for the Palestine dossier at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs; Laila Ghannam, a member of the Fatah Central Committee; and Aya Al-Muhaisen, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Head of the State of Palestine.
The discussions addressed the political and field conditions in the Palestinian territories amidst the ongoing aggression and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Topics included the intensification of settler attacks in the West Bank and Jerusalem, targeting Palestinian citizens, their property, and foreign solidarity activists supporting the Palestinian people.
Efforts were also made to explore the establishment of political and on-the-ground conditions necessary for upcoming legislative and presidential elections, ensuring participation from Palestinians in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The meeting further covered international initiatives aimed at achieving peace. Al-Sheikh emphasized the importance of France's continued political and diplomatic support for Palestinian rights, urging France to translate its recognition of the State of Palestine into actions to halt Israeli aggressions, provide international protection for Palestinians, and pursue the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Laila Ghannam highlighted the current situation on the ground, pointing out the ongoing cycle of violence, destruction, and displacement, as well as the denial of fundamental rights to Palestinians. The discussions also included ways to strengthen bilateral relations, foster joint cooperation, and support reform efforts and institutional development within the State of Palestine.