RAMALLAH, Monday, October 04, 2021 – President Mahmoud Abbas received three members of Israel’s Meretz party last night, including two serving ministers in the current Israeli government, for discussions focused on advancing peace in the Middle East.

The Israeli delegation included Nitzan Horowitz, head of the Meretz party and Israel’s Minister of Health; Issawi Freij, Minister of Regional Cooperation; and Knesset member Michal Rosen.

During the meeting, President Abbas underscored the urgent need to end the Israeli occupation and achieve a just and comprehensive peace in accordance with international resolutions. He stressed the necessity of halting settlement construction, military incursions, home demolitions, and forced displacement, as well as the immediate return of the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces. He also warned against escalating punitive measures against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.

The Meretz delegation reiterated their support for the two-state solution, ending the occupation, and working jointly to rebuild trust. They also highlighted the importance of cooperation between both sides, particularly in the health sector.

M.K.