RAMALLAH, December 21, 2025 (WAFA) – President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas received, on Sunday evening, a phone call from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, during which they discussed the latest political developments and the situation in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as ways to achieve peace in accordance with international legitimacy.
President Abbas expressed his thanks and appreciation for the phone call, commending the strong ties of friendship between the two countries and their peoples, Cyprus’ political positions in support of the legitimate Palestinian rights to freedom and independence, and its commitment to the two-state solution in accordance with international law.
The President also stressed the importance of the role Cyprus will play during its presidency of the European Union at the beginning of next year.
The President further conveyed the appreciation of the Palestinian people and leadership for the significant humanitarian support provided by Cyprus to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
President Abbas affirmed the State of Palestine’s commitment to the plan of U.S. President Donald Trump, and underscored the importance of commencing implementation of the second phase of the plan as agreed upon by Hamas and Israel. This includes Hamas handing over its weapons and relinquishing control of the Gaza Strip, the full withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, consolidating the ceasefire, facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid and shelter materials, and moving toward reconstruction.
The President also stressed the need to halt Israeli violations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, particularly stopping colonial expansion and the terror of colonists, and releasing withheld Palestinian funds.
President Abbas renewed his affirmation of the State of Palestine’s readiness to assume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip immediately, and its willingness to work with President Trump, mediators, and partners toward implementing the two-state solution in accordance with international legitimacy, enabling the Palestinian people to attain their freedom and independence, so that the State of Palestine may live alongside the State of Israel in security, peace, and good neighborliness.
T.R.
