Ramallah: President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine received US Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah. The meeting was attended by Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the discussions centered on recent developments and efforts to achieve a ceasefire and comprehensive calm in the occupied Palestinian territory. President Abbas emphasized the importance of an immediate ceasefire, the urgent entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza to cease the starvation campaign, and the release of hostages and prisoners. He also called for the State of Palestine to fully assume civil and security responsibilities in Gaza.
President Abbas reiterated the necessity for all Palestinian factions to hand over their weapons to the Palestinian Authority, advocating for a unified system under one law and one legitimate weapon, declaring: 'We do not want an armed state.' The President also highlighted the need for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the initiation of reconstruction, and the organization of parliamentary and presidential elections within a year after the war. He stressed the importance of achieving comprehensive calm in the West Bank by halting settlement activity, ending settler terrorism, releasing withheld Palestinian funds, and stopping assaults on Islamic and Christian holy sites.
Senators Van Hollen and Merkley conveyed their interest in understanding the Palestinian perspective directly from President Abbas and expressed their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving security, stability, and peace in the region. Both senators are recognized for their support of the two-state solution and the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
