RAMALLAH, October 30, 2026 (WAFA) – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met on Friday with Archbishop Georgios III of Cyprus at the Orthodox Archbishopric in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia.

President Abbas briefed the archbishop on the latest developments in Palestine, stressing that preserving the Christian presence in Palestine is a national priority and an essential part of safeguarding the Holy Land’s historical and cultural identity.

The president underscored the need to protect Islamic and Christian holy sites and preserve their historical and legal status. He rejected all attacks and measures targeting these sites or infringing on freedom of access and worship, and condemned the Israeli authorities’ arbitrary measures against churches and their institutions, as well as restrictions on freedom of worship and access to holy places.

President Abbas also renewed his condemnation of the terrorist attack targeting the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in the Hamoud area of Jordan’s Karak Governorate, which left several people dead and injured.

The meeting was attended by PLO Executive Committee member Ziad Abu Amr, General Intelligence Service Chief Maj. Gen. Majed Faraj, presidential diplomatic affairs adviser Majdi al-Khalidi, and Palestine’s ambassador to Cyprus, Abdullah Attari.

President Abbas arrived in the Republic of Cyprus last Wednesday for an official visit at the invitation of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

Y.S