Ramallah: President Mahmoud Abbas presided over the opening session of the 13th session of the Revolutionary Council of Fatah at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, alongside members of the Fatah Central Committee and invited guests. In his comprehensive political address, President Abbas highlighted the latest political developments and internal dynamics of the Fatah movement while outlining strategies to revitalize its role.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, President Abbas declared 2026 as the year of Palestinian democracy. He announced that local council elections are scheduled for April, followed by the eighth Fatah conference and elections for the Palestinian National Council later in the year. The President emphasized the commitment to conducting elections in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem as a unified political and geographic entity.
President Abbas reiterated the pressing Palestinian priorities, such as consolidating the ceasefire and facilitating the immediate entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. He referenced the second phase of the plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which involves a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the transition of governance to a Palestinian administrative committee under the Palestinian government.
The President underscored the integral role of Gaza within the Palestinian state alongside the West Bank and East Jerusalem. He called for the immediate reconstruction of Gaza and advocated for a political process aligned with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.
President Abbas voiced concerns over Israeli actions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, citing settlement expansion, annexation attempts, and continued incursions into Palestinian areas. He urged the international community to pressure Israel to halt unilateral measures that disrupt regional and international peace efforts.
Acknowledging international and Arab diplomatic efforts, President Abbas noted the increasing recognition of the State of Palestine, now acknowledged by 160 countries. He highlighted an international conference led by Saudi Arabia and France, which showcased broad support for the Palestinian cause.
He praised the backing of Arab and Islamic countries and the leadership of Saudi Arabia in promoting the two-state solution. President Abbas emphasized the Palestine Liberation Organization’s role as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, underscoring its historic importance in maintaining national principles.
President Abbas also stressed the significance of the upcoming elections, including municipal and village council elections, the eighth Fatah conference, and the Palestinian National Council elections. He described these as essential steps to reinforce the democratic ethos of the Palestinian political system.
In terms of political outreach, President Abbas discussed his recent diplomatic engagements in Europe and conversations with world leaders aimed at garnering international support for Palestinian objectives, such as securing full UN membership and pressuring Israel to cease actions that hinder political processes.
On reform, President Abbas reaffirmed his dedication to comprehensive reform programs to modernize Palestine’s legal and institutional framework, strengthen governance, and ensure adherence to the rule of law. He also mentioned the need to update election laws and issue a modern political parties law to uphold the PLO’s political program and international legitimacy.