Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa met for the first time post-leadership change, discussing Gaza’s reconstruction and opposition to U.S. proposals for Palestinian displacement. They condemned Israeli policies threatening territorial integrity and stressed the importance of Gaza within Palestine. Absent a ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces, the stability remains precarious as they address regional challenges.
In a historic meeting in Cairo, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas engaged with the Syrian Arab Republic’s President, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, marking their first encounter since changes in leadership in Damascus last December. This dialogue occurred amidst an urgent Arab summit addressing Gaza’s reconstruction and opposing U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal regarding Palestinian displacement in Gaza.
During their discussions, Abbas and Al-Sharaa reviewed the latest developments in the occupied West Bank and affirmed that the Gaza Strip remains a fundamental component of Palestine. Abbas emphasized the need to sustain the ceasefire in Gaza, ensure humanitarian aid is delivered, and withdraw Israeli forces from the enclave, as reported by the Palestine News Agency.
Both leaders expressed their opposition to Israeli policies, which they believe threaten Palestinian territory. The Israeli government’s expansion of settlements in the West Bank, coupled with the displacement of thousands of Palestinian refugees, raises significant concerns about the potential for establishing a Palestinian state.
In the context of recent shifts in regional power dynamics, Israeli forces have taken control of parts of southern Syria, including the strategic Mount Hermon summit, breaking a longstanding agreement. The meeting was also attended by key Palestinian officials, including Hussein Al-Sheikh, secretary-general of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and Diab Al-Louh, the Palestinian ambassador to Egypt.
This meeting between President Abbas and President Al-Sharaa underscores the ongoing efforts of Palestinian leaders to navigate the complexities of their situation, particularly concerning Gaza and Israeli encroachment. The reaffirmation of Gaza’s significance to Palestine and the emphasis on maintaining peace and humanitarian support illustrate the challenges that lie ahead. Further collaboration among Arab nations will likely be crucial in addressing these pressing issues.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
