Ramallah: President Mahmoud Abbas received the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah. The meeting focused on the dire humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip and efforts by United Nations organizations to deliver aid to Palestinian citizens.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Fletcher provided President Abbas with a detailed briefing on his recent visit to the Gaza Strip. He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by residents and the critical efforts made by UN agencies to alleviate the situation. During the meeting, Fletcher also delivered greetings from UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres to President Abbas.
President Abbas expressed his gratitude to Fletcher for his visit to the Gaza Strip and recognized the significant contributions of UN organizations. He underscored the vital role of UNRWA in delivering humanitarian aid, restoring education, and providing essential services to Palestinian refugees in the region, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as in host countries.
In light of the discussion, President Abbas reiterated his call for all involved parties to adhere to the initial phase of the U.S. President's plan. This includes solidifying the ceasefire, facilitating the release of hostages and prisoners, ensuring the entry of aid, withdrawing occupation forces, beginning reconstruction efforts, and halting actions that undermine the Palestinian Authority and the two-state solution.
President Abbas also confirmed the State of Palestine's readiness to assume full responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, ensuring connection with the West Bank through Palestinian laws and institutions. This effort would be supported by Arab and international stabilization forces, in accordance with a Security Council resolution.
Furthermore, President Abbas affirmed his willingness to collaborate with U.S. President Donald Trump and other mediators to advance the peace process, aiming for lasting peace in alignment with international resolutions.
