Abbas and Al-Sharaa Discuss Palestinian Unity and Regional Challenges

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Cairo during an emergency Arab summit. They discussed maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza, opposing U.S. policies on Palestinian displacement, and the challenges posed by Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The meeting emphasized Gaza’s importance to Palestine and the need for unified leadership in addressing ongoing regional issues.

In a significant meeting, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, in Cairo. This encounter marked their first discussions since the change of leadership in Syria last December. Both leaders convened during an emergency Arab summit that aims to address the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal regarding Palestinian displacement.

During their dialogue, Abbas and Al-Sharaa reviewed the current situation in the occupied West Bank, asserting that the Gaza Strip is an indispensable part of Palestinian territory. Abbas emphasized that their priorities include sustaining the ceasefire in Gaza, facilitating humanitarian aid, and ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area, as reported by the Palestine News Agency.

The leaders expressed their opposition to Israeli policies that threaten to further encroach on Palestinian land. These policies include the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, the displacement of thousands of Palestinians from refugee camps, and initiatives to annex portions of territory, all of which pose a threat to the potential for establishing an independent Palestinian state.

The meeting also took place against the backdrop of increased Israeli occupation in parts of southern Syria, including the vital summit of Mount Hermon, following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime last December. This shift has disrupted a longstanding agreement regarding these regions.

Accompanying President Abbas were Hussein Al-Sheikh, the Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and Diab Al-Louh, the Palestinian Ambassador to Egypt, indicating a united front in Palestinian leadership during these critical discussions.

The meeting between President Mahmoud Abbas and President Ahmad Al-Sharaa not only highlights the importance of solidifying alliances among Arab leaders but also underscores the urgent need to address challenges faced by Palestinians. Their discussions focused on cooperation to maintain peace in Gaza, oppose Israeli expansion, and reinforce the notion that Gaza is integral to Palestine. The outcomes of these dialogues may significantly influence the future of Palestinian statehood and regional stability.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com