BEIRUT, September 18, 2025 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed today that the immediate and urgent priority remains achieving a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, alongside the entry of humanitarian aid to end the Israeli-imposed starvation campaign, which aims to forcibly displace the Palestinian people, an objective firmly and unequivocally rejected by the Palestinian leadership.

The President made these remarks during a speech at the annual graduation ceremony of the Mahmoud Abbas Foundation for the 2024–2025 academic year, titled the “Class of Will and Excellence,” held in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, under his patronage.

President Abbas stressed that the State of Palestine holds the legitimate authority in the Gaza Strip and must be allowed to fully assume its responsibilities there. This, he stated, must coincide with a complete Israeli withdrawal, the start of reconstruction, and an end to the ongoing attacks by Israeli occupation forces and settlers in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, targeting the Palestinian people and their Islamic and Christian holy sites.

Referring to recent global diplomatic efforts, President Abbas noted the strong international consensus witnessed during the international peace conference held in New York and in capitals across the world, where governments and peoples alike expressed support for the Palestinian right to freedom, independence, and the establishment of a fully sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital, as well as the right of return for refugees.

The President also voiced his firm support for Lebanon in maintaining its international commitments and preserving its security, stability, and sovereignty. He emphasized that the presence of Palestinians in Lebanon must contribute to stability, not tension, and that the refugee community must remain shielded from any conflicts that do not concern them or serve the Palestinian cause.

President Abbas reiterated the deep fraternal relations between Palestine and Lebanon and reaffirmed Palestine’s commitment to all agreements. He expressed gratitude to Lebanon for its support of the Mahmoud Abbas Foundation, extending special thanks to the Prime Minister’s Office and the relevant ministries—particularly the Ministry of Education—for facilitating the foundation’s educational mission.

M.N