New york: President Mahmoud Abbas has reinforced the stance that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable component of the State of Palestine, emphasizing its unity with the West Bank and East Jerusalem as non-negotiable. This declaration underscores the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the territorial integrity of their homeland.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, during the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, President Abbas, through Ambassador Riyad Mansour, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians due to the Israeli occupation. Abbas described the hardships resulting from settlement, expansion, annexation, and settler actions in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
President Abbas called for a just peace rooted in international legitimacy, stressing the need for the occupation's end to achieve Palestinian independence. He pointed out the growing international support for recognizing the State of Palestine and ending the occupation in line with the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion.
Acknowledging international efforts, Abbas expressed gratitude to global leaders and institutions supporting Palestine. The role of the Arab-Islamic Committee, led by Saudi Arabia, and collaborations with the European Union and Norway were recognized for advancing a two-state solution. The New York Declaration, adopted by the UN General Assembly, marked significant steps toward establishing an independent State of Palestine.
Abbas also appreciated the recognitions of Palestine by multiple nations, which now total 160, urging other states to take similar steps. He thanked countries and organizations aiding Palestinians and highlighted the importance of international support in halting aggression and occupation.
He welcomed U.S. mediation efforts, including President Trump's peace plan, which emphasizes a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and unity under Palestinian administration. Abbas reaffirmed Gaza's integral role in Palestine and called for a political process towards a lasting peace.
In closing, Abbas rejected certain Israeli government statements and actions that undermine peace prospects. He urged the international community to act against settlement practices and support Palestinian protection and rights.
President Abbas thanked global solidarity movements and reiterated Palestine's commitment to reforms for a democratic state. He called for an end to the occupation, the establishment of Palestine based on 1967 borders, and achieving a fair resolution for refugees.
In his message to Palestinians worldwide, Abbas affirmed their resilience as the foundation for their just cause, emphasizing that freedom and independence are within reach with continued international support.