Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas |Photo/X)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has welcomed the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, marking what could be a pivotal step toward ending years of bloodshed and humanitarian suffering in the region.
In a statement released on Thursday, President Abbas lauded the U.S.-brokered initiative aimed at halting hostilities between Israeli forces and Palestinian factions, allowing the entry of humanitarian aid, and facilitating a prisoner exchange. He expressed optimism that the agreement would serve as a prelude to a comprehensive political solution that culminates in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
“We view this ceasefire as a critical first step toward ending the occupation of the State of Palestine and realizing the dream of a sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Abbas said.
The Palestinian leader commended President Trump and international mediators for their role in securing the ceasefire, emphasizing Palestine’s readiness to cooperate with all relevant parties to ensure the success of the agreement. He underscored that the deal must not only halt the fighting but also pave the way for stability, justice and lasting peace in accordance with international law.
Abbas urged all parties involved to commit to the full implementation of the agreement. This includes the release of all hostages and prisoners, the delivery of humanitarian aid through United Nations channels, the prevention of displacement or annexation and the beginning of reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
“True peace requires genuine commitment and goodwill from all sides,” he stated.
“Our people have suffered for far too long, and it is time the international community upholds its moral and legal responsibility to end this cycle of violence and occupation.”
The President also used the opportunity to call on the international community to pressure Israel to end what he termed as ‘unilateral violations’ of international law.
He criticized ongoing settlement construction and what he described as ‘settler terrorism’ in the occupied territories, urging the disarmament of extremist settlers and an end to hate speech targeting Palestinians.
Abbas further condemned attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites, reiterating that the Palestinian leadership will continue to protect freedom of worship and the sanctity of religious places.
In his remarks, the Palestinian leader also accused Israel of policies aimed at crippling Palestinian governance, including the withholding of tax revenues, the imposition of military checkpoints and the strangulation of the Palestinian economy.
“These measures are deliberate attempts to weaken our institutions and undermine our national resilience,” Abbas asserted.
“Peace cannot exist alongside economic suffocation and political marginalization.”
Reaffirming Palestinian sovereignty over the Gaza Strip, President Abbas stressed that the connection between Gaza and the West Bank must be maintained through a unified Palestinian government, security forces and legal system. He highlighted that administrative and security coordination under Palestinian authority was essential to ensuring lasting peace and governance.
“Gaza is an integral part of our homeland. Its people are part of our nation’s body and spirit,” Abbas said.
“Our unitybacked by Arab and international support remains the key to our liberation and stability.”
Observers note that this development could mark a turning point in the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict, provided both sides adhere to the terms of the agreement and the international community plays an active role in monitoring and enforcing compliance.
For many Palestinians, the ceasefire represents a flicker of hope after years of war, displacement, and hardship. But as President Abbas emphasized, the ultimate goal remains an independent and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
Discussion about this post