RAMALLAH, November 14, 2026 (WAFA) – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas affirmed that the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on November 15, 1988, marks a renewed national and historic milestone in the Palestinian people's journey and struggle for freedom, sovereignty over their homeland, and the establishment of an independent, sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He stressed that this right is not merely a slogan, but an established historical and legal reality recognized by international legitimacy, which no power in the world can undermine or use to erase the existence of the Palestinian people and their national rights.

In a speech marking the 38th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which falls tomorrow, President Abbas said the declaration, proclaimed by the late leader Yasser Arafat before the Palestinian National Council in Algiers in 1988, expressed the free national will of the Palestinian people. It crowned decades of sacrifice and struggle and explicitly affirmed their right to self-determination and to live in freedom, dignity and security on their homeland, embodying their aspirations for freedom and independence.

The President affirmed that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, will remain the inclusive national framework and political reference for Palestinians at home and in the diaspora. He described it as the body that carries the Palestinian national project, has led the people's struggle for freedom and independence, and has embodied their national identity and right to self-determination.

He stressed that preserving the PLO and strengthening its standing, role and national unity are fundamental pillars for protecting the national project, safeguarding independent national decision-making, and continuing the path toward realizing the independence of the State of Palestine.

"The Palestinian people, who have faced attempts to uproot them, forcibly displace them and erase their identity, have proven that they cannot be broken and that their will is stronger than all plans to liquidate their cause," he said. "They are moving forward with confidence and determination toward achieving their national goals of self-determination, freedom and independence."

He affirmed that the sacrifices of martyrs, the suffering of the wounded and prisoners, and the hardships endured by Palestinians would not be in vain. Honoring these sacrifices, he said, requires protecting the national project, strengthening the resilience of the Palestinian people, and working responsibly to fulfill their national aspirations.

President Abbas affirmed that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the territory of the State of Palestine, and that national responsibility requires strengthening the resilience of its people, working to end their suffering, rebuilding what has been destroyed by the aggression, and unifying national institutions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, under a single political and legal system and one legitimate authority. This, he said, would ensure the unity of the land, people and institutions and give effect to the unity and independence of the Palestinian state.

He stressed that East Jerusalem, with its Islamic and Christian holy sites, will remain the eternal capital of the State of Palestine. There can be no peace, stability or security in the region without ending the Israeli occupation and enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their legitimate national rights.

"Our choice is a just and comprehensive peace based on international legitimacy resolutions and the two-state solution, along the June 4, 1967 borders, ensuring the establishment of an independent, sovereign State of Palestine that lives in security and peace alongside the State of Israel," he said.

President Abbas called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities by stopping Israeli attacks, settlement activity and forced displacement; providing international protection for the Palestinian people; holding the occupation accountable for its violations of international law; and working to enable the State of Palestine to obtain full membership in the United Nations.

He praised the positions of brotherly and friendly countries that have recognized the State of Palestine and supported the just rights of its people, stressing that the expanding circle of international recognition reflects the justness of the Palestinian cause and represents an important step toward ending the occupation and achieving peace.

The President said the Palestinian people possess the determination, expertise, human resources and national institutions needed to build a modern democratic state founded on the rule of law, justice, equality and equal opportunities, one that safeguards citizens' dignity and rights and provides the conditions for a dignified life.

He stressed that building the state is a collective national responsibility and that, despite all challenges, the Palestinian people are capable of turning their aspirations into reality and tangible achievements.

"Our hope for the future cannot be fulfilled without its true makers: Palestinian youth, with their awareness, creativity and innovative energy, and Palestinian women, through their struggle, steadfastness and active presence in every sphere of life. Together, they constitute a cornerstone of nation-building and the foundation of the modern state," he said.

"We believe in the ability of our rising generations to lead the transformation toward a future founded on science, knowledge, innovation, social justice and good citizenship. We affirm that investing in the Palestinian people is the true investment in the future of our state."

President Abbas concluded his speech by renewing his pledge to the Palestinian people, saying:

"On the anniversary of our independence, we renew our commitment to our people to continue the national journey, safeguarding our identity, our land and our independent national decision-making, while remaining steadfast in our national unity, principles and legitimate rights.

"The Declaration of Independence was not merely a declaration of our right to establish a state. It was a declaration of the will of a people who had decided to live freely on their land, to possess their own state and institutions, and to shape their future through their own will and national capabilities.

"However long the night of occupation may last, the dawn of freedom and independence is inevitably coming. Palestine will remain a homeland that embraces all its sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora."

President Abbas renewed his pledge to continue the struggle for freedom and independence, paying tribute to the martyrs and wishing the wounded a speedy recovery and freedom for the prisoners.

Y.S