• Holding the conference under the current circumstances reaffirms our determination to continue the democratic process within our great movement.
• Fatah has always been the backbone of the national project and the bearer of the flag of independent national decision-making.
• The tragic situation in Gaza requires enabling the State of Palestine to carry out its role through its sovereign and service institutions.
• Systematic terror and settlement expansion in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, require holding the occupation government accountable and imposing deterrent measures against it.
• We call on the international community to act immediately to protect East Jerusalem and stop violations of international law and its historical and legal status.
• We call for a return to the implementation of signed agreements and the cessation of unilateral actions that violate international law.
• We affirm our support for all international efforts that recognize the rights of our people, including UN legitimacy resolutions, the New York Declaration, President Trump’s plan, and UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
• We renew our full commitment to implementing all reform measures we pledged to the international peace conference presidency.
• We affirm our firm commitment to democracy, political pluralism, peaceful transfer of power, and the inclusion of all segments of society and its institutions under the rule of law.
• Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine, and any transitional arrangements must be temporary.
• National unity remains the solid foundation for facing challenges and ending division, based on recognition of the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and adherence to its political program.
• The refugee issue will remain at the core of our cause, and we affirm its resolution through return and compensation in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.
• We reject any attempts to undermine UNRWA and call for providing it with support.
• A message to the Israeli people: more settlement expansion, extremism, deepening occupation, and denial of the legitimate rights of our people will not bring peace or security. Our hands are still extended in order to achieve the desired peace in the land of peace.
• The State of Palestine affirms its firm position based on respect for the sovereignty, security, and stability of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and rejection of interference in our own affairs.

RAMALLAH, May 14, 2026 (WAFA) – President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas said that the convening of the eighth General Conference of the Fatah Movement represents a pivotal milestone for reviewing the Palestinian journey, assessing performance, and developing a comprehensive national vision for the next stage. He said this would strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people, support reconstruction efforts, and open a real political horizon to end the occupation.

In his speech at the opening session of the conference, held at the Ahmed Shuqairi Hall at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah on Thursday,  President Abbas noted that the conference, held on Palestinian soil with participation from Gaza, Cairo, and Beirut via video links, reaffirms the commitment to continue the democratic path within the movement and to empower youth and women to assume leadership roles.

He stressed that Fatah has always been the backbone of the Palestinian national project, the bearer of the banner of independent national decision-making, and the guardian of Palestinian identity and struggle. He added that renewing the movement through new leadership will strengthen the broader national movement and enhance its achievements.

The President said the conference is taking place at a critical moment in Palestinian history, amid grave existential threats, the consequences of the war in Gaza, and ongoing violations of international law in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, alongside rapidly evolving regional challenges.

He stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza requires enabling the State of Palestine to carry out its responsibilities through its sovereign and service institutions, in cooperation with the executive bodies of the Peace Council and the Palestinian Administrative Committee during this transitional period, without duplication or separation, while ensuring the linking of institutions in both parts of the homeland.

President Abbas condemned the systematic terrorism and widespread settlement expansion in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, calling it a grave violation of international law. He called for international accountability measures against the Israeli government, immediate deterrent action, and international protection for the Palestinian people.

He urged the international community to act urgently to protect East Jerusalem, uphold international law and its historical and legal status, and respect the Hashemite custodianship of holy sites.

He reiterated support for international efforts recognizing Palestinian rights, including relevant UN resolutions, the New York Declaration issued by the Saudi-French co-chaired international conference, the Trump plan, and UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

President Abbas said the implementation of these frameworks, in accordance with international law, represents a real opportunity to end the occupation and achieve a just and lasting peace.

He reaffirmed full commitment to implementing reforms pledged by the State of Palestine, including governance, transparency, democratic processes, and institutional development, in line with international partnerships and UN resolutions.

President Abbas also stressed commitment to democratic principles, political pluralism, peaceful transfer of power, and the inclusion of all sectors of Palestinian society under the rule of law.

He confirmed that Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine and that any transitional arrangements must be temporary and must not affect national unity or political and legal sovereignty.

President Abbas also added that national unity remains the solid foundation for confronting challenges and ending division, based on principles agreed upon by all, including recognizing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, adhering to its political program and international obligations, upholding the principle of one system, one law, and one legitimate armed force, and committing to peaceful popular resistance.

He reiterated that the refugee issue remains central to the Palestinian cause and must be resolved based on the right of return and compensation in accordance with international resolutions, particularly UN Resolution 194.

President Abbas said, “We categorically reject any attempts to undermine UNRWA and its role, or to eliminate it, as this constitutes a direct attack on the rights of refugees and an attempt to liquidate their cause.” He called upon states to provide support to UNRWA so that it can continue its work, which culminates in the return of refugees to their homes.

In the regional context, he reiterated the State of Palestine's firm position based on respect for the sovereignty, security, and stability of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and "the rejection of any interference in our affairs."

Addressing the Israeli public, President Abbas said that continued settlement expansion, extremism, deepening occupation, and denial of Palestinian rights will not bring peace or security.

He concluded by paying tribute to the steadfast Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, refugee camps, and the diaspora, as well as prisoners and martyrs, affirming: “We remain on our land, and through patience and resilience we will achieve our national goals.”

Here is the full speech of President Mahmoud Abbas:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
“O believers, be patient and persevere and remain steadfast, and fear Allah that you may succeed.” Allah the Almighty has spoken the truth.

The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
“A group from my nation will remain steadfast upon the truth, victorious over their enemies; they will not be harmed by those who abandon them or by the hardships that befall them until the command of Allah comes while they are in that state.” They asked: “Where are they, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “In Bayt al-Maqdis and the surroundings of Bayt al-Maqdis.”

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,
Brothers and sisters, members of the Eighth General Conference,
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.

We meet today with pride and steadfastness at the Eighth General Conference of our steadfast movement, the Fatah Movement, the Palestinian National Liberation Movement, at a pivotal moment in the history of our people and national cause, amid grave existential dangers, the consequences of genocide, starvation, and forced displacement attempts, and the continued suffering of our people in the Gaza Strip, which has not yet ended. Tomorrow marks the 78th anniversary of the Nakba of 1948, which will never be repeated thanks to the resilience of our people on their land.

We also meet today amid blatant violations of international law carried out by the extremist occupation government, which continues settlement expansion, racist attacks, settler terrorism, theft of land, economic siege, and attacks on the legal and historical status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and Hebron, in addition to the withholding of Palestinian funds in an unprecedented violation of agreements and international law in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, under  extremely difficult circumstances with severe humanitarian, economic and political consequences, alongside rapidly escalating regional challenges.

In the regional context, the State of Palestine affirms its fixed position based on respect for the sovereignty of states, their security and stability, non-interference in their internal affairs, and rejection of anyone interfering in our affairs. We have rejected and condemned in the recent war the Iranian attacks that targeted the Gulf states and Jordan, expressing our solidarity and standing with them. At the same time, we also affirm our rejection and condemnation of Israeli attacks on the sisterly Republic of Lebanon, which constitute a violation of its sovereignty and of international law and a threat to regional stability.

The situation in the Gaza Strip is an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in modern history, with more than 270,000 fatalities and wounded, most of them children, women, and the elderly. The occupation forces have destroyed more than 85% of cities and refugee camps, including homes, schools, hospitals, churches, and mosques, rendering them uninhabitable in an attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians to several countries, most of which have rejected Israel’s request.

Among the disasters caused by the occupation is that more than 2,500 Palestinian families have been completely erased from the civil registry, with no one remaining from them. Regardless of how what happened on 7 October is evaluated, matters are judged by their outcomes.

Gaza has been turned by the Israeli occupation forces into a devastated area in which crimes of killing, genocide, starvation, and siege are being committed in blatant violation of all rules of international humanitarian law.

The situation in the Strip requires enabling the State of Palestine to perform its role through its sovereign and service institutions, in cooperation with the executive bodies of the Peace Council and the Palestinian Administrative Committee during this transitional period, without duplication or separation, while ensuring the linkage of institutions in both parts of the homeland.

We are working with Arab and friendly states and international organizations to stop this tragedy, ensure humanitarian aid and shelter, and immediately begin recovery and reconstruction, paving the way for a political process that achieves freedom and independence.

In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, our eternal capital, our people are facing a dangerous escalation represented by organized settler terrorism, carried out under the protection of the occupation army, through attacks on citizens, burning homes and property, and destroying agricultural lands, in an attempt to impose a forced reality on the ground.

This systematic terrorism and cancerous settlement expansion spread across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which has reached more than 214 settlements and 372 outposts, controlled by around 800,000 colonists, in addition to annexation attempts through land theft laws enacted by the Israeli government in favor of colonists, and the racist law of executing Palestinian prisoners, and the torture they are subjected to—all of this constitutes a grave violation of international law. It requires accountability, international deterrent measures, and protection for our people.

The continued withholding of Palestinian funds, exceeding five billion dollars, and the economic blockade represent unprecedented financial piracy and a violation of agreements and international law, causing a severe financial crisis affecting the Palestinian government’s ability to fulfill its obligations.

In East Jerusalem, our eternal capital, we must confront the systematic plans and racist practices aimed at Judaizing the city, altering its character and identity, and oppressing its Christian and Muslim inhabitants. This includes the violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites, attempts to implement malicious schemes for the spatial and temporal division of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and preventing worshippers from accessing it and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

We call upon the international community to take immediate action to protect East Jerusalem and its people, to halt the violation of international law and the historical and legal status quo, and to respect the Hashemite custodianship of the holy sites.

All of this requires a return to the implementation of the signed agreements: the Oslo Accords, the Paris Economic Agreement, and the 2023 Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh understandings, and a cessation of unilateral actions that violate international law.

Despite all this, the convening of our conference today on our homeland, with broad diplomatic presence from our brothers and friends, and with the participation of our people here in Palestine and via video link from Gaza, Cairo, and Beirut, reaffirms our determination to continue the democratic path within our great movement and to open the way for youth and women to assume leadership positions.

The Fatah movement has always been the backbone of the Palestinian national project since its inception, the standard-bearer of independent national decision-making, and the guardian of our people's identity and struggle. The achievements we have made are thanks to the immense sacrifices made by our leaders, martyrs, prisoners, and all the male and female freedom fighters who paved the way to freedom and independence with their blood.

Here, we recall with immense pride and honor the journey of our comrades, the founding leaders of our glorious movement: the iconic leader, the martyr Yasser Arafat, and the leaders Khalil al-Wazir, Salah Khalaf, Farouk al-Qaddumi, Khaled al-Hassan, Abu Yusuf al-Najjar, Abu Ali Iyad, Abu Sabri, and all the other brothers and leaders who guided the revolution from its very inception, alongside the martyrs of Palestine to this day. We also remember with immense pride and appreciation all our brave prisoners and wounded who endure the most heinous forms of injustice, torture, and humiliation in the occupation's prisons. They have made sacrifices under the most difficult circumstances, foremost among them the great leader Marwan Barghouti, and we will not rest until they are freed from the occupation's prisons.

Revitalizing the Fatah movement by infusing it with new blood guarantees the revitalization of the Palestinian national movement, contributes to the advancement of our national project, and magnifies its achievements.

Our people have faced attempts at ethnic cleansing, displacement, and forced migration, including the so-called "Deal of the Century," and attempts to separate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank and Jerusalem. Yet, they have remained steadfast on their land, clinging to their national rights. We have worked to garner support for our cause and strengthen the position of the State of Palestine within the international system since the declaration of independence in Algeria in 1988 and its attainment of observer status at the United Nations in 2012. This opened the door for Palestine to join more than one hundred international organizations and treaties as a full member.

The current phase, despite its hardships, also presents a political window of opportunity that must be built upon. We are witnessing unprecedented international efforts aimed at ending wars in the region and achieving regional stability, security, and peace, the fruits of which will be enjoyed by all countries in the region. This necessitates a resolution to the Palestinian question, which remains the central issue and the root cause of conflicts if left unresolved. It is worth noting that the Palestinian people are the only people still living under occupation in this era.

In this context, we reaffirm our support for all international efforts that recognize, protect, and ensure the steadfastness of our people on their land, foremost among them:

- International resolutions related to the Palestinian question, including Resolutions 181, 194, 242, 338, and 2334.

- The New York Declaration issued by the High-Level International Conference, co-chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France, with the active participation of more than one hundred countries, which affirmed the need to take irreversible steps towards implementing the two-state solution and strengthening international recognition of the State of Palestine.

- President Trump’s plan and Security Council Resolution 2803, which constitute an international framework for a ceasefire in Gaza, alleviating the suffering of our people, a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, launching a recovery and reconstruction process, halting all unilateral actions that violate international law, lifting US sanctions imposed on the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority under US law, and moving towards the implementation of the right to self-determination and the establishment of the State of Palestine in accordance with international resolutions.

- We see in the New York Declaration and the relevant plan, as well as the relevant Security Council resolutions, a genuine opportunity, if implemented in accordance with international law and international legal frameworks, to end the occupation and achieve a just and lasting peace, along with resolving all other causes of conflict in the region.

In this regard, we reiterate our full commitment to continuing to implement all the reforms we pledged to the Presidency of the International Peace Conference and to the states that have recognized the State of Palestine, within the framework of implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions, most recently Resolution 2803.

In this context, we are working with the European Union and our partners to develop government administration and provide digital services that enhance service efficiency and expedite delivery. We are also developing the security and justice sectors to ensure adherence to the rule of law and accelerate litigation procedures, and to develop educational programs in accordance with UNESCO standards. The government has made significant progress in this area, including ongoing work with UNESCO experts.

Furthermore, a unified social protection system has been established, pursuant to Law No. (4) issued in January 2025, and independent international auditing bodies are issuing periodic reports on this matter. Regarding the fight against corruption, we established an anti-corruption commission in 2010, alongside the work of the State Audit Bureau, all in order to promote integrity, accountability, and combat corruption.

Regarding the fight against corruption, we established an Anti-Corruption Commission in 2010, alongside the work of the State Audit and Administrative Control Bureau, all to promote integrity, accountability, and combat corruption.

On another front, we are working to strengthen the democratic process. We held an important conference for Fatah Youth, followed by local elections last April. Now, after a ten-year hiatus, we are convening this conference and preparing for the National Council elections in November, as well as the general and presidential elections, beginning with the drafting of the constitution, the Political Parties Law, and the General Elections Law.

This underscores our unwavering commitment to the democratic process, political pluralism, the peaceful transfer of power, and the inclusion of all segments of Palestinian society and its institutions under the rule of law.

As we hold this conference, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our national institutions are more representative and inclusive, guaranteeing unprecedented and effective participation for women and youth, and strengthening their role in building our national future.

In this context, we affirm that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the State of Palestine, and that any transitional arrangements must be temporary and must not infringe upon the unity of Palestinian territory, the unity of representation, legitimacy, or its political and legal system.

We also affirm that our national unity remains the solid foundation for confronting challenges and ending the division, based on principles we have all agreed upon. These principles are based on recognizing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, adhering to its political program and international obligations, upholding the principle of one system, one law, one legitimate armed force, and committing to peaceful popular resistance.

We have called upon everyone to adhere to these principles, which will pave the way for national unity, contribute to strengthening the resilience of our people, and help them achieve their aspirations for freedom and independence, culminating in the establishment of our independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In this regard, and in agreement with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, we have handed over the weapons belonging to PLO factions in the camps. We are working within the framework of specialized committees to improve the conditions of refugees and restore properties in Lebanon, as well as in Syria, including the Educational City. On a separate matter, due to the social and economic circumstances of our people in Lebanon, students who obtain their high school diploma are rarely able to pursue university studies.

Therefore, about ten years ago, we established an institution to educate these individuals, whether at Lebanese universities or universities abroad. This includes all those who obtain a high school diploma, provided they hold the status of a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon.

Since its establishment, this institution has graduated more than twelve thousand students, in addition to the four thousand students currently enrolled in universities.

The Palestinian refugee issue remains at the heart of the Palestinian cause. We emphasize the imperative of resolving it through return and compensation, in accordance with international law, particularly Resolution 194 and the Arab Peace Initiative. We also stress the vital role played by UNRWA in providing essential services to millions of refugees. We categorically reject any attempts to undermine or eliminate its role, considering this a direct attack on the rights of refugees and an attempt to liquidate their cause. We call upon all countries to provide support to UNRWA so that it can continue its work, which will ultimately lead to the return of the refugees to their homes. Brothers and sisters,

This conference marks a pivotal moment for reviewing our progress, evaluating our performance, and developing a comprehensive national vision for the next phase. This vision will strengthen our people's resilience, support reconstruction efforts, and open a genuine political horizon that will end the occupation.

Given our achievements, including the broad international recognition of the State of Palestine, now held by 160 countries—a number we are working to increase—we continue to collaborate with our international and regional partners to ensure the implementation of these initiatives and translate them into tangible realities that will end the suffering of our people and achieve security and stability in the region.

In this context, we deeply appreciate the role of all countries and peoples, including solidarity committees, civil society organizations, and universities worldwide, who have stood in solidarity with our people's rights to freedom and independence in all international forums. We also extend our gratitude to the brotherly and friendly nations and peoples who have provided humanitarian aid, received and treated the wounded, and offered scholarships to Palestinian students.

On this occasion, I extend my thanks and appreciation to our sister nation, Egypt, under the leadership of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and to our sister nation, Lebanon, under the leadership of His Excellency President Joseph Aoun, for their approval of the participation of several conference members in Egypt and Lebanon via video conference, after they were unable to attend in person.

Despite the injustice, suffering, and disasters our people endure as a result of the occupation, I address a special message to the Israeli people: further settlement construction, extremism, the deepening of the occupation, and the denial of the legitimate rights of our Palestinian people will not bring peace and security.

 We have signed agreements with you that lay the foundation for a genuine peace for us all, a peace in which we live together in security, stability, and good neighborliness, far removed from wars, aggression, and terrorism. Our hands remain extended to achieve the desired peace in the land of peace.

In conclusion, we salute our steadfast people in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, who are resisting the plans of displacement, ethnic cleansing, and annexation, and we commend the role of our sister nations, Egypt and Jordan, in this regard. We also salute our steadfast people in the refugee camps and our Palestinian communities around the world for their role in mobilizing support for the freedom and independence of Palestine.

We salute our brave prisoners, and we bow in reverence to the souls of our righteous martyrs. We say to all our people everywhere: we are with you, and through you, we will remain on our land. Despite the pain, the siege, and the suffering, we will continue the struggle, and with patience and steadfastness, we will achieve our national goals. Peace be upon you.

Y.S/K.T