Following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, affirming Palestine’s readiness to “assume full responsibility” for the territory.
In a statement, Abbas emphasized Gaza as an inseparable part of Palestine: “The Presidency affirmed its firm position on the necessity of an immediate ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The State of Palestine is prepared to assume full responsibility for Gaza as part of the occupied Palestinian territory, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem. We reject any attempts to carve up Gaza or forcibly expel Palestinians from their homeland.”
The statement highlighted that the Palestinian government has finalized preparations to manage Gaza, including administrative and security operations, restoring essential services, facilitating the return of displaced residents, overseeing border crossings, and initiating reconstruction efforts.
The Presidency also urged the international community to support humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts while pushing for a political resolution in line with United Nations resolutions: “The Presidency calls on the international community, neighboring states, and donor countries to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to help the government fulfill its responsibilities toward the Palestinian people. This includes addressing the needs of those in Gaza, which has endured genocidal warfare, as well as Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem, who face severe Israeli violations.”
Abbas reiterated the need for a political solution based on international law, proposing an international peace conference to secure global recognition of the State of Palestine and achieve full UN membership. He emphasized that peace efforts should lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders.
Earlier this week, Hamas and Israel reached a ceasefire agreement, which was approved by Israel’s security cabinet. The truce is set to unfold in three stages:
1. Initial Phase: A six-week truce begins Sunday, during which hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israel will be released. Displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to their homes, and Israeli troops are expected to withdraw from populated areas in Gaza. Aid deliveries to the region will also increase.
2. Second Phase: Negotiations for a permanent end to the conflict will start on the 16th day. This phase includes further hostage and prisoner exchanges and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
3. Third Phase: Reconstruction of Gaza will commence, and any remains of deceased hostages will be returned.
US President Joe Biden has expressed support for the ceasefire, describing it as a pathway toward a permanent resolution and regional stability.
