RAMALLAH, January 15, 2026 (WAFA) — President Mahmoud Abbas said today that Palestine is determined to continue its efforts with US President Donald Trump and other relevant partners, expressing hope that 2026 will witness progress toward resolving the Palestinian cause, citing positive indications from the US administration.
Speaking on Thursday during a ceremony marking his receipt of an honorary doctorate from the Arab American University in Ramallah, President Abbas said the State of Palestine has announced its support for the formation of the Palestinian Administrative Committee in the Gaza Strip during the transitional phase.
He expressed appreciation for the efforts of President Trump and mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, and for moving toward the implementation of the second phase of President Trump’s plan.
The President reaffirmed the importance of linking the institutions of the Palestinian National Authority in the West Bank and Gaza, stressing the need to avoid creating parallel administrative, legal, or security systems that would entrench division.
He outlined his political vision based on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and return, and the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace and security with its neighbors.
He said the State of Palestine would be democratic, based on equal citizenship, political pluralism, freedom of expression, the formation of political parties, the rule of law, good governance, human rights, integrity, and equality, with one system, one law, and one legitimate weapon.
President Abbas stressed that direct legislative and presidential elections are the foundation of democratic governance and the only path to the peaceful transfer of power under the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and the empowerment of women and youth. He noted that work is underway to draft a temporary constitution and a political parties law in preparation for upcoming elections.
He affirmed that the Palestinian state remains committed to international law, international humanitarian law, international legitimacy, and the agreements and treaties signed with other states and international organizations.
The President reiterated that peaceful popular resistance, alongside political, diplomatic, and legal action, remains the strategic choice to end the occupation.
He said the Palestinian people do not know despair and continue to safeguard their presence, history, identity, and national memory despite immense challenges. He added that despite the catastrophe caused by the genocide, starvation, and destruction in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian people remain determined to rebuild Gaza and what has been destroyed in refugee camps, villages, and cities across the West Bank.
President Abbas also voiced confidence in Palestinian universities, saying they will not only transmit knowledge but also advance it through investment in scientific research and partnerships with the private sector and the state, emphasizing that science and technology are key measures of progress for nations.
He stressed that it is time for the Palestinian people to write their own complete history, present their authentic narrative, and decisively refute false and distorted accounts that seek to misrepresent the reality and history of the Palestinian people.
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