ROME, December 13, 2024 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas Friday met with his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella in Rome, where they discussed the latest developments in the Palestinian issue in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression.
Upon arriving at the Presidential Palace today, President Abbas was welcomed by an honor guard before being received by President Mattarella and senior Italian officials.
During the meeting, President Abbas briefed his Italian counterpart on the latest developments in Palestine, focusing on the severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as a result of the ongoing brutal Israeli aggression, which has led to tens of thousands of casualties and missing people and the widespread destruction of infrastructure, homes and properties.
The Palestinian President also discussed the escalating violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the ongoing crimes committed by Israeli colonists against the defenseless Palestinian people.
The President also briefed his Italian counterpart on the occupation’s ongoing killings, raids into Palestinian cities, towns, villages and refugee camps, colonial expansion and the desecration of holy sites, particularly in occupied Jerusalem.
President Abbas stressed the urgent need to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2735, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and swift humanitarian assistance to avert the risk of a major humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip. He also called for enabling the Palestinian Authority to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.
President Abbas provided an update on Palestine’s diplomatic, political and legal efforts in international forums to end the Israeli occupation and establish a Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He reiterated the importance of adhering to the UN General Assembly's resolution regarding the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion to end the occupation.
Additionally, President Abbas emphasized the importance of mobilizing support for Palestine’s bid for full UN membership and securing further international recognition of Palestinian statehood. The President called on Italy to officially recognize the State of Palestine.
The two leaders also discussed the strong bilateral ties between Italy and Palestine and the importance of enhancing these relations.
President Abbas praised Italy’s continued humanitarian support, including accepting injured children evacuated from Gaza and providing police training and ongoing support for Palestinian rights at international forums.
He also acknowledged Italy’s recent positive vote at the UN General Assembly on resolutions related to UNRWA and the ceasefire.
The meeting was attended by several key Palestinian officials.
T.R.
