Ramallah: President Mahmoud Abbas chaired a meeting of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)'s Executive Committee at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah. During the session, committee members unanimously elected Azzam al-Ahmad as the Secretary-General of the PLO Executive Committee.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, President Abbas provided a briefing on the ongoing political and diplomatic efforts by the Palestinian leadership to address the Israeli aggression against Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem. He emphasized the urgent need to lift the Gaza siege and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, including essential food and medical supplies.
The President updated the committee on progress in implementing institutional reforms across sectors such as security and economic development, aiming to strengthen national resilience against current threats. The committee expressed concern over growing chaos in Gaza, highlighting armed groups looting food and medical supplies, which it claims benefits the Israeli occupation as it continues its assaults on civilians and infrastructure.
The Executive Committee decided to hold accountable individuals and groups engaged in unlawful actions, in coordination with national institutions and civil society, according to the laws of the State of Palestine. The financial crisis facing UNRWA was also discussed, as donor countries have suspended contributions, impacting the agency's ability to provide vital educational and health services.
In response to Israeli military incursions into Palestinian territories, especially in the northern West Bank and Jordan Valley, the committee endorsed an action program to counter forced displacement and land annexation by Israeli authorities. Preparations for an international conference at the United Nations in New York this June were also discussed. The summit, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, aims to mobilize global efforts to implement UN resolutions on the Palestinian issue.
The session concluded with the approval of decisions to activate various PLO departments and emphasized the importance of regular meetings. President Abbas stressed the urgent need for the National Dialogue Committee to begin its work, and a subcommittee was formed to develop a phased action plan involving several Executive Committee members.
