Abbas Meets Syrian President: Focus on Gaza Reconstruction and Palestinian Unity
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, discussing Gaza reconstruction and opposition to US proposals affecting Palestinians. They addressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, underlining the threat of Israeli settlements to Palestinian statehood. The meeting highlighted ongoing regional tensions and the necessity for Palestinian unity.
In a significant diplomatic meeting, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas engaged with Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, for the first time since the power transition in Syria last December. The meeting took place in Cairo during an emergency Arab summit aimed at addressing the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip amidst ongoing tensions surrounding US policy proposals that threaten Palestinian interests.
During their discussions, Abbas and Al-Sharaa focused on recent developments in the occupied West Bank, asserting that the Gaza Strip is an essential part of Palestinian territory. Abbas emphasized the need to uphold the ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate humanitarian aid, and for Israeli forces to withdraw from the region as reported by the Palestine News Agency.
Both leaders condemned the Israeli government’s expansion of settlements in the West Bank and measures that may lead to the displacement of Palestinian refugees, which pose significant threats to the viability of a Palestinian state. The ongoing Israeli occupation following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime has further complicated regional stability, particularly in the strategically significant southern Syrian region, including Mount Hermon.
The meeting was attended by notable figures such as Hussein Al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and Diab Al-Louh, the Palestinian ambassador to Egypt, reflecting a unified opposition among Palestinian representatives against policies that undermine their rights and territorial claims.
In summary, the meeting between Abbas and Al-Sharaa marks a significant step in Palestinian diplomatic efforts amidst fluctuating regional dynamics. They focused on collaboration to address pressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza and on steadfast opposition to Israeli expansionism. This dialogue underscores the continuing importance of Palestinian unity in the face of external pressures and challenges to territorial integrity.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
