Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that the eighth general conference of the Fatah movement is taking place at a historic and pivotal moment for the Palestinian cause, amid existential risks facing the Palestinian people and the repercussions of the war in Gaza, as well as Israeli actions in the West Bank, including Jerusalem.
اضافة اعلان
Speaking during the opening session of the conference held at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, Abbas said that what is happening in Gaza represents “the greatest humanitarian catastrophe in modern history.”
According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, Abbas said the Israeli offensive has resulted in 272,000 people killed or injured, in addition to the destruction of 85 percent of the Gaza Strip.
He also said that Israel had attempted to displace Gaza’s residents to countries in East Asia, adding that the events of 7 October had brought tragedy to the Palestinian people, as military operations and escalation continue across Palestinian territories.
Abbas stressed the need for the Palestinian Authority to be fully empowered to operate in Gaza through its sovereign and service institutions, in cooperation with relevant bodies during a transitional phase, while preserving Palestinian territorial unity and preventing any separation or institutional division.
He warned against continued Israeli territorial expansion, saying that systematic violence and settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem constitute a serious violation of international law.
Abbas called on the international community to hold the Israeli government accountable and impose deterrent measures to halt what he described as unilateral actions.
He also said that Israel’s withholding of Palestinian funds constitutes a violation of international law, stressing the need to uphold international legitimacy resolutions, support Palestinian rights, end the occupation, and achieve a just and lasting peace.
Abbas renewed his rejection of any attempts to undermine the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), saying the refugee issue remains central to the Palestinian cause and must be resolved in accordance with international resolutions.
Palestinian National Unity
Abbas reaffirmed the State of Palestine’s commitment to respecting the sovereignty and stability of other countries and not interfering in their internal affairs.
He emphasized that Palestinian national unity remains essential to confronting current challenges and ending internal division.
He concluded by saluting the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, and refugee camps, pledging to continue the national struggle to achieve Palestinian aspirations despite current conditions.
Cairo News / Agencies
