Abbas and Al-Sharaa Discuss Palestinian Unity at Historic Meeting in Cairo
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa for the first time since the regime change in Syria, discussing the Gaza situation, ongoing Israeli policies, and the importance of Palestinian unity at an Arab summit in Cairo.
In a significant diplomatic encounter, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Cairo. This meeting marks the first interaction since the political shift in Syria following Bashar Assad’s regime downfall in December. The occasion coincided with an emergency Arab summit aimed at addressing the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and opposing U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.
During their discussions, both leaders addressed the current situation in the occupied West Bank and asserted that the Gaza Strip remains a fundamental part of Palestinian territory. President Abbas emphasized the urgent need to sustain the ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area.
Abbas and Al-Sharaa expressed their shared concerns regarding Israeli policies that threaten further intrusion into Palestinian territories. They highlighted the detrimental impacts of Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and the forced displacement of Palestinians from refugee camps, recognizing these actions as significant obstacles to establishing a viable Palestinian state.
Following the regime change in Syria, Israeli forces have seized portions of southern Syria, particularly the strategic Mount Hermon area, thus disrupting decades of territorial agreements. The meeting also included key figures such as Hussein Al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Executive Committee, and Diab Al-Louh, the Palestinian ambassador to Egypt.
This meeting between President Mahmoud Abbas and President Ahmad Al-Sharaa marks a pivotal moment in Palestinian-Syrian relations following significant political changes in Syria. Both leaders reaffirm their commitment to Palestinian unity and opposition to Israeli encroachments, emphasizing the need for international support in reconstruction efforts for Gaza and the protection of Palestinian rights.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
