Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced on Thursday morning that he welcomed the ceasefire agreement proposed by US President Donald Trump, according to Palestinian news outlet WAFA.
Abbas’ announcement emphasized his support for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, the entry of additional humanitarian aid, and expressed excitement over the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
Abbas expressed hope that the ceasefire would be a prelude to a permanent political solution, as announced by President Trump. He expressed that this deal would lead to an “end to Israeli occupation” and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967, borders, with east Jerusalem as its capital.
Abbas also commended Trump and other international mediators for finalizing an agreement, stating that the “State of Palestine is ready to work with partners to ensure the agreement’s success.”
He stressed the imminent need for all parties involved to implement the agreement, specifically mentioning the release of all Israeli hostages and prisoners. He also called for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and be distributed through UN organizations, though historically unreliable.
He also emphasized the need to prevent displacement and annexation and called for the beginning of the process of rebuilding Gaza.
Abbas reiterated that “sovereignty over the Gaza Strip belongs to the State of Palestine.” He emphasized that the connection between the West Bank and Gaza must be achieved through unified Palestinian laws, government institutions, a single Palestinian administrative committee, and Palestinian security forces, with Arab and international support.