Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas expressed approval on Saturday of President Donald Trump’s declaration halting Israeli military operations and initiating talks on his proposed plan to end the conflict.
In a statement highlighting Hamas’ “positive” reaction and commending the group’s declared readiness to release all hostages, Abbas lauded Trump’s “tremendous” efforts to bring the Gaza war to an end and promote lasting peace. He also voiced gratitude to Arab and Muslim nations that have supported mediation efforts.
Abbas stated that the “State of Palestine” is ready to cooperate constructively with President Trump and the international community to realize a “just and lasting peace in accordance with international legitimacy.”
He outlined the Palestinian Authority’s main objectives as achieving a permanent ceasefire, obtaining the release of all hostages and Palestinian prisoners, facilitating the prompt flow of humanitarian aid through the United Nations, preventing the expulsion of Palestinians or Israeli annexation of territory, and beginning the reconstruction of Gaza.
Reaffirming his government’s claim of jurisdiction over Gaza, Abbas stressed that “sovereignty over the Gaza Strip belongs to the State of Palestine, and that the connection between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip must be managed through Palestinian laws and governmental institutions, a Palestinian administrative committee, and a unified security force under one law and order, with Arab and international support.”
He further urged world powers to pressure Israel to stop all “unilateral actions” that he said breach international law, citing settlement expansion, “settler violence,” assaults on holy sites, and Israel’s withholding of PA tax revenues used to cover debts and pay compensation to victims of terror.
“The sovereign Palestinian state is the natural partner for regional stability alongside the State of Israel,” Abbas said. “The time has come for a lasting peace that ensures security and justice for all peoples of the region.”
