Ramallah: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday firmly denounced any efforts to forcibly displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip or annex the occupied West Bank. He urged the international community to take immediate action against what he called Israel's 'genocidal war.'
According to Anadolu Agency, Abbas delivered a speech aired by Palestine TV, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians in Gaza. He criticized the global silence that he believes has contributed to the mass suffering of the Palestinian people. Abbas described the situation in Gaza as 'the worst humanitarian catastrophe of this time' and called for an immediate international response to halt these actions.
Abbas renewed his call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and emphasized the urgent need for the entry of food and medical supplies. He also demanded the release of Palestinian tax revenues withheld by Israel. Addressing US President Donald Trump, Abbas urged intervention to allow UN agencies to deliver essential aid, pointing out that large quantities of aid are currently stranded around Gaza due to the ongoing blockade.
The Palestinian president warned about the dire consequences of the blockade and the denial of aid, which have resulted in over 100 deaths from hunger and malnutrition, including more than 80 children, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry. He stressed the critical situation in Gaza, referring to it as 'collective death,' and cited a warning from the Gaza Government Media Office after over 140 days of sealed border crossings.
Since March 2, Israel has refrained from implementing a proposed ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, resulting in blocked aid convoys at border crossings. Abbas expressed deep concern, asking, 'How is it possible for the world to ignore babies dying of hunger in Gaza?'
Abbas insisted that his government should be allowed to regain full authority in Gaza, oversee reconstruction efforts, and facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, with the support of Arab and international communities. He also voiced strong opposition to Israel's annexation plans in the West Bank, describing them as a direct attack on Palestinian rights to an independent and sovereign state. He urged the international community to reject these violations and recognize the State of Palestine.
The remarks came after a symbolic vote in the Israeli Knesset, where 71 lawmakers supported a nonbinding proposal urging the government to annex the occupied West Bank, including the Jordan Valley. This motion, submitted by far-right parties, was described by Israeli media as having significant 'symbolic and historic weight,' despite carrying no legal force.
Abbas concluded by praising the resilience of Palestinians, acknowledging their patience and steadfastness as a source of honor.