RAMALLAH, Sunday, March 27, 2022 – President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed today his commitment to internationally recognized peace references during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah.

During the meeting, President Abbas emphasized that the priority must remain a political solution that ends the Israeli occupation of the land of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and ensures a just resolution to all final status issues—including the refugee issue—in accordance with international legitimacy and under the auspices of the International Quartet.

“I am pleased to welcome U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on his visit to Palestine. This is an opportunity to brief him on the latest developments. I also thank the U.S. administration for the support it has provided to the Palestinian people, especially to UNRWA,” said the President.

He reiterated Palestine’s commitment to international law, signed agreements, peaceful popular resistance, and cooperation with the international community, including the United States, in combating terrorism worldwide.

President Abbas stressed the importance of implementing what the Biden administration has pledged, including commitment to the two-state solution, halting settlement construction and settler violence, preserving the historical status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque, stopping unilateral measures, reopening the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem, and repealing U.S. legislation that designates the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as a terrorist organization.

He added that current events in Europe have revealed clear double standards in the application of international law, noting that despite Israeli practices amounting to ethnic cleansing and apartheid—as acknowledged by international human rights organizations—Israel has never been held accountable and continues to act above the law.

President Abbas warned that continued unilateral actions by Israel will soon prompt the Palestinian leadership to implement decisions of the Palestinian Central Council, including reconsidering security coordination with Israel.

“What is happening in Palestine can no longer be tolerated. International law cannot be applied selectively. Can the domination of Israeli occupation authorities over the Palestinian people and the violation of their legitimate rights continue without measures being taken to end this occupation?” he added.

The President also congratulated the Palestinian people on the successful completion of local elections held yesterday in a democratic atmosphere. He expressed regret that elections could not be held in the Gaza Strip due to Hamas’ refusal, despite its participation in the West Bank elections, and condemned Israel’s continued prevention of presidential and legislative elections in occupied East Jerusalem.

For his part, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. administration’s commitment to achieving a two-state solution, with Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and security. He emphasized Washington’s commitment to rebuilding its relationship with the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people, noting that the U.S. has been working to improve the daily lives of Palestinians, including by restoring support to UNRWA and providing $500 million in humanitarian aid last year.