AMMAN, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 (WAFA) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met today with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, on the sidelines of the "Gaza Emergency Humanitarian Response Conference" hosted by Jordan.
They discussed the latest developments in the Palestinian arena, the efforts underway with all parties to stop the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, and the need to accelerate the introduction of aid to the besieged Gaza Strip in light of the Israeli occupation's control and closure of all border crossings, as well as the need to put an end to attacks carried out by Israeli authorities and terrorist colonists in the West Bank, including Jerusalem.
The President praised the European Union's positions in support of a political solution based on a two-state solution, in accordance with international legitimacy, as well as for its support of state institution-building and development assistance.
President Abbas stressed the importance of backing Palestine’s bid for full membership in the United Nations, as a prelude to embarking on a political path based on the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.
The President also praised the positions of Norway, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia in support of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, most prominently their latest recognition of the State of Palestine.
The president expressed hope that all European countries that have not recognized the State of Palestine would follow in the courageous steps of these countries.
President Abbas also briefed the President of the European Council on the difficult economic and financial situation facing the State of Palestine due to the continued withholding of Palestinian tax funds by the Israeli government.
The President reiterated the Palestinian government's commitment to its agenda of institutional reform and financial and economic stability, stressing the need for the European Union to exert pressure on Israel to release the withheld Palestinian funds and to stop any deductions under any pretext.
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