RAMALLAH, Sunday, December 26, 2021 – President Mahmoud Abbas extended his condolences to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following the passing of retired Archbishop and anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu.

In a telegram sent today, President Abbas wrote: “On my behalf, and on behalf of the Palestinian leadership and the people of Palestine, we extend our most heartfelt condolences on the passing of Desmond Tutu.”

President Abbas praised the Nobel Peace Prize and Gandhi Peace Award laureate as a global champion of human rights, a courageous voice against apartheid, and a defender of the oppressed and persecuted. He affirmed that Palestinians will always remember Tutu’s unwavering support for their struggle against occupation and apartheid policies.

Tutu chaired the UN Human Rights Council fact-finding mission into Israeli military operations in Gaza in 2006.

President Abbas also sent a separate telegram of condolence to Tutu’s wife, Nomalizo Leah Tutu, and his family.