Ramallah: The Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) held a meeting chaired by President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, President Abbas commenced the meeting by highlighting the critical need for unified efforts to stop the ongoing aggression and acts of extermination carried out by the occupation against the Palestinian people. These acts include the resumption of war and destruction in the Gaza Strip and similar destructive activities in the West Bank's governorates and camps. Abbas emphasized that these escalating crimes necessitate a robust Arab and international response to apply pressure on the occupation and implement Security Council resolutions, particularly the recent Resolution 2735.
President Abbas further stressed the upcoming Palestinian Central Council meeting's significance in fortifying and activating the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. This meeting aims to address challenges to the Palestinian cause and counter attempts at displacement and liquidation. Abbas also mentioned the importance of strengthening the unity and resilience of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, along with necessary amendments to reconcile the internal Palestinian situation.
The meeting's attendees discussed the need to bolster Palestinian resilience against the Israeli occupation's impositions and daily criminal acts by settlers, which include property destruction, tree cutting, and livestock theft. They rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, and lauded the Arab, Islamic, and international stance against such displacement. The Executive Committee also appreciated the international support for the reconstruction plan and the State of Palestine's responsibility in Gaza.
The Committee recognized the popular and student movements for their rejection of the ongoing war and their affirmation of Palestinian rights, advocating for an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital and the right of return for refugees. The importance of the Palestinian Central Council meeting next month was reiterated, with ongoing preparations for its success to promote national unity within the PLO framework.
The Committee plans to open membership to all factions committed to the organization's political program and international commitments. It aims to ensure comprehensive representation of all Palestinians and implement a strategic plan for unity and independence. Follow-up committees have been established to address raised issues effectively.
The Committee saluted the resilience of Palestinians in camps, prisons, the homeland, and the diaspora, calling for international protection and an end to their mistreatment. It discussed challenges related to the refugee issue, including efforts to dissolve UNRWA and undermine Resolution 194's right of return.
The PLO's Executive Committee underscored the need to enforce international legitimacy and Security Council resolutions, urging the international community to stop aggression in Gaza, ensure the withdrawal of occupation forces, and allow the State of Palestine full responsibility over occupied territories. They also called for humanitarian aid, the return of displaced persons, reconstruction, and support for UNRWA.
Finally, the Committee condemned attacks on West Bank camps, settlement activities, land annexation, and assaults on holy sites, emphasizing the urgent need for reconstruction to improve conditions for the Palestinian people.
