RAMALLAH, February 20, 2025 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas stressed on Thursday night the unswerving stance of the Palestinian leadership against Israel’s displacement plans targeting the Palestinian people and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the protection of Palestinian national rights and the unity of the Palestinian territories.
Speaking at the opening of the 12th regular session of the Fatah Revolutionary Council, held in Ramallah, President Abbas reiterated the firm position of the Palestinian leadership against Israel’s attempts to forcefully displace the Palestinian people. He emphasized that the vast majority of the international community stands in solidarity with this position, rejecting these displacement plans.
"We will continue working to establish a ceasefire, guarantee the flow of humanitarian aid, and ensure that the State of Palestine assumes responsibility in Gaza, all while preserving the territorial unity of Palestine," said the President.
President Abbas further pointed out that the security teams of the State of Palestine have already begun their work at the Rafah and Karm Abu Salem border crossings, reinforcing the Palestinian government's presence and operations in the region.
He reiterated the importance of a two-state solution, calling for urgent international cooperation to end the Israeli occupation. "We will continue our efforts in international forums, working with both our Arab and international allies, to push for the recognition of Palestine as a full member state of the United Nations," he stated. He also announced plans to hold a major international peace conference in New York in June, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, to advance the two-state solution.
Addressing the issue of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the President strongly criticized Israeli efforts to undermine the agency's work, stressing its vital role as an irreplaceable UN organization. "We reaffirm once again the essential role of UNRWA as an irreplaceable UN organization, and it is crucial to prevent the occupation from undermining its operations," he declared.
President Abbas also affirmed his rejection of the Israeli practices, including settlement expansion, land theft, and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem. He noted that while Israeli forces have been actively obstructing efforts to impose the rule of law in Jenin and other areas, the Palestinian security forces will continue their mission to maintain peace and security in these regions.
The President reaffirmed that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) remains the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, emphasizing the need for national unity and collective resistance to Israeli occupation. "The internal cohesion of our people is the foundation of our national project," he stated.
Regarding the Israeli aggression on the Palestinian people, the President declared, "We are determined to support the displaced, restore homes to those affected in Gaza, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas, and provide essential services to those in need," Abbas emphasized, acknowledging the dire conditions faced by families left homeless and children who have lost their parents.
The President also stressed the importance of the reform program being implemented by the Palestinian government, emphasizing that it is both a necessity and a national interest. "We must all support this program to ensure the improvement of the performance of our national institutions, enhance public trust, and improve the services provided to citizens, particularly in health, education, and the advancement of the national economy," he stated.
Additionally, he stressed the need to empower women and youth, work alongside civil society organizations, unions, the private sector, and strengthen justice, transparency, integrity, accountability, the rule of law, and expand social protection.
The President stressed the importance of a comprehensive social protection and care system, including legislative reforms aimed at supporting all vulnerable groups, from widows and orphans to displaced families and workers who have lost their jobs. "We are committed to preserving the dignity of all our people and providing them with the help they need to rebuild their lives," he said.
He further added, "We have established a comprehensive social protection and care system, along with amendments to certain laws to secure the needs of all affected Palestinian families requiring empowerment and assistance. This system will ensure the preservation of their dignity and financial needs, and we ask everyone to trust us."
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