NEW YORK, Tuesday, September 20, 2022 – President Mahmoud Abbas held a series of high-level meetings in New York ahead of his address to the United Nations General Assembly.

President Abbas met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer, and Ronald Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress.

During the meetings, the President briefed the leaders on the latest political developments, including the continued deadlock in the peace process and the difficult conditions faced by the Palestinian people living under Israeli occupation.

He urged Prime Minister Sánchez to recognize the State of Palestine, particularly as efforts are underway at the United Nations to obtain full UN membership for Palestine.

Ronald Lauder emphasized the importance of achieving peace in the Middle East based on the two-state solution and expressed his readiness to work with President Abbas and all relevant parties to advance this goal.

In his meeting with the ICRC President, Abbas discussed the plight of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. He called for increased family visits, an end to Israel’s illegal administrative detention practices, and the cessation of torture and medical negligence. He also stressed the need for the release of sick, elderly, female, and minor detainees.

President Abbas is expected to deliver his address to the General Assembly on Friday.