President Abbas Discusses Palestinian Statehood with Vatican’s Prime Minister

VATICAN CITY: President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine engaged in talks with Vatican Prime Minister Pietro Parolin, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the challenges faced by Palestinians. The discussions emphasized the necessity of preserving the sanctity of Jerusalem's holy sites and advancing Palestinian statehood. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, President Abbas detailed the current situation in Palestine, highlighting the violence in Gaza attributed to Israeli actions and the rising tensions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. He underscored the importance of maintaining the historical and legal status of Jerusalem's Islamic and Christian sites and advocated for freedom of worship and access to these holy places. President Abbas reiterated the need for immediate action, referencing UN Security Council Resolution No. 2735, which calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the withdrawal of occupation forces. He stressed the urgency of facilitating humanitarian aid to prevent a humanitarian crisis in the region. The President also updated Prime Minister Parolin on Palestine's diplomatic efforts to end Israeli occupation and promote the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He highlighted the importance of international support for Palestine's quest for full UN membership and broader international recognition. In a gesture of goodwill, President Abbas extended holiday greetings to the Vatican Prime Minister, expressing gratitude for the Vatican's support for Palestinian statehood based on a two-state solution. The meeting included several Palestinian officials, reinforcing the collaborative efforts to advance the Palestinian cause.