He emphasized the significance of the efforts made by Arab states and international actors to lay the groundwork for an international peace conference in June. This conference aims to galvanize support for the State of Palestine in its pursuit of full UN membership. It is intended as a preliminary step towards initiating a political process that would help end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, with East Jerusalem as the capital.
President Abbas says immediate priority is to reach ceasefire, ensure unimpeded entry of aid to Gaza
Date : 26/05/2025
RAMALLAH, May 26, 2025 – President Mahmoud Abbas stated on Monday that the primary focus of the Palestinian leadership is to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the unimpeded delivery of aid to the Strip.
President Abbas made his remarks during a phone call with the President of the European Council, António Costa.
President Abbas briefed the President of the European Council, Costa, on the recent developments in the occupied territories. The conversation focused on efforts to stop Israel's ongoing assault on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 53,977 Palestinians—mostly women and children—and left 122,966 others injured. Additionally, they discussed ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip.
He mentioned that current priorities include supporting the Palestinian government's efforts to assume its civil and security responsibilities in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, there is a focus on the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and halting the attacks carried out by occupying authorities and settlers in the West Bank, including Jerusalem. Another priority is the release of Palestinian tax revenues.
He stressed the importance of the EU’s support for this conference, which he described as one that aligns with the EU’s stated policies in line with the UN resolutions and international law.
He expressed his gratitude for the European Union’s longstanding support for a two-state solution and its rejection of Israeli settler-colonialism. He also called for an end to the ongoing conflict and for the unhindered entry of aid to the Gaza Strip. He thanked the EU for its assistance in reforming the Palestinian government and for the relief aid provided to Gaza.
He shared his hope that the friendly relationship and partnership between Palestine and EU member states would lead to an increase in the recognition of the Palestinian state. He emphasized the need to mobilize international support for building Palestinian institutions, promote the Palestinian government’s reform and development programs, and strengthen the Palestine-EU partnership by starting official discussions on a full association agreement.