ANKARA, August 12, 2026, WAFA – President Mahmoud Abbas affirmed on Wednesday evening that the only way to achieve just peace is ending the Israeli occupation and establishing the independent State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
President Abbas made his remarks in a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara.
He noted that any integration of Israel into the region must be linked to achieving this goal in accordance with international law, the UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.
He stressed that the Palestinian people and their leadership would remain steadfast on their land and would not accept displacement, the takeover of occupied Palestinian land, and Israeli colonies, which he described as null and void, as stated in UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2334.
President Abbas emphasized the importance of Palestinian unity and enhancing broad national participation at this juncture, and the resulting commitment to the political program of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), international law, and the principles of one state, one law, and one legitimate weapon.
He commended Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and the US for their efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, facilitate the entry of aid, and create conditions for recovery and reconstruction. He affirmed support for international efforts to implement UNSC Resolution 2803 in such a way that ensures an end to Israel’s genocidal aggression, the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza, and a transition to the political process.
He reiterated that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the State of Palestine, stressing that any arrangements concerning it must be made through the State of Palestine in such a way that ensures and preserves the unity of the Palestinian political system and sovereign institutions.
President Abbas noted that the Palestinian Authority continues to fulfill its responsibilities toward the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, including providing salaries and basic services, despite the financial crisis and Israel’s withholding of Palestinian clearance revenues, which have exceeded $6 billion.
He renewed his commitment to the National Reform Program and to holding legislative elections on November 28, 2026, followed by convening the Palestinian National Council (PNC) and holding presidential elections in 2027.
He briefed his Turkish counterpart Erdoğan on the dangerous Israeli escalation in the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem, as well as on attacks committed by Israeli occupation forces, colonist terrorism, colonial settlement expansion, encroachments upon Islamic and Christian holy sites, the withholding of Palestinian clearance revenues, and the strangulation of the Palestinian economy.
He underscored the importance of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement and expressed hope that it would contribute to enhancing regional security and stability and protecting the interests of the Muslim nation.
President Abbas thanked President Erdoğan and the Republic of Türkiye for their unwavering positions in support of the Palestinian people’s rights and for the humanitarian assistance they provide, particularly to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as well as their efforts to treat wounded Palestinians and receive Palestinian students.
In conclusion, President Abbas affirmed ongoing coordination between the two countries until the Palestinian people attain their freedom and independence and realize their rights to their independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
For his part, President Erdoğan stated that supporting Palestine is a shared responsibility of all humanity, particularly the Muslim world, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
“I want to once again emphasize that supporting Palestine is a shared responsibility of all humanity, particularly the Muslim world,” Erdogan said at a joint news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the presidential palace in Ankara.
“We, as Türkiye, will continue to strongly defend the Palestinian cause on every platform,” he added.
Erdogan also said the “genocidal Netanyahu government” continues its illegal actions in the occupied West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem “before the eyes of the entire world.”
“The existence of a sovereign Palestinian state is being undermined. It is impossible to ignore this or remain indifferent to it,” he said.
Erdogan called for the necessary conditions to be established as soon as possible to launch the reconstruction and rebuilding process in Gaza and ensure security in the enclave.
“We are particularly strongly opposed to provocations aimed at changing the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque, our first qibla, and other holy sites,” Erdogan said.
Reiterating Ankara’s support for Palestinian statehood, Erdogan said Türkiye would resolutely work for the establishment of an independent, geographically contiguous Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with occupied East Jerusalem as its capital.
K.F.
