Kazan – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas discussed, yesterday, Wednesday, with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the efforts made to achieve an immediate ceasefire and accelerate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
This came during their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan, according to the official Palestinian news agency, Wafa.
During the meeting, “the joint efforts made by the Palestinian and Egyptian leaderships to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and complete Israeli withdrawal from the Strip were discussed.”
They also discussed accelerating the introduction of aid to the Palestinian people, “especially to the northern Gaza Strip, which is subjected to a severe Israeli siege and starvation of citizens in preparation for their displacement from their land and homes.” “This requires urgent international intervention to stop these Israeli crimes that have violated all international conventions and norms.”
During the meeting, according to Wafa, they “discussed the latest developments in the situation in the Palestinian territories, and the ongoing war of genocide against our people by the Israeli occupation authorities, in addition to the attacks against our people, our land, and our sanctities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”
Abbas reiterated that “the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the Palestinian state, and falls under its responsibility and administration, and the State of Palestine rejects any measures that lead to the separation of the Gaza Strip from the State of Palestine.”
He stressed that “the State of Palestine will continue its efforts to implement the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice in accordance with the General Assembly’s decision and hold the International Peace Conference (which Spain and Portugal recently called for), and continue to work towards obtaining full Palestine membership in the United Nations, stressing the importance of obtaining more recognitions.” The State of Palestine is one of the countries that has not done so.”
On July 19, the International Court of Justice said, during a public hearing in The Hague regarding the United Nations General Assembly’s request for the court to issue a fatwa on the legal consequences of Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, that “the continued existence of the State of Israel in the land The occupied Palestinian territories are illegal,” stressing that the Palestinians have “the right to self-determination,” and that “the Israeli settlements existing on the occupied territories must be evacuated.”
Palestine has the status of a “non-member state” with observer status in the United Nations, and it obtained this status after a resolution adopted by the General Assembly by a large majority on November 29, 2012.
Last April, Washington used its veto power in the UN Security Council against a draft resolution recommending that the United Nations accept membership in the State of Palestine.
On the sidelines of the BRICS summit, the Palestinian President held a series of meetings with a number of leaders during which he discussed developments in the Palestinian issue and ceasefire efforts, including: Chinese President Xi Jinping, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy. Ahmed Ali.
The Palestinian President’s meetings come as Israel continues its genocidal war on Gaza with American support since October 7, 2023, leaving more than 143,000 Palestinians dead and wounded, most of them children and women, and more than 10,000 missing, amid massive destruction and famine that killed dozens of children and the elderly. In one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world.
Tel Aviv continues this war, ignoring the UN Security Council resolution to end it immediately, and the orders of the International Court of Justice to take measures to prevent acts of genocide and improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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Interview with Dr. Hani Abed, Middle Eastern Studies Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Abed. We’ve just seen a significant meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan. What do you think the implications of their discussions will be for the situation in Gaza?
Dr. Abed: Thank you for having me. The meeting is crucial, especially given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to achieving an immediate ceasefire and scaling up humanitarian aid. With the dire situation in the northern Gaza Strip, this cooperation could force the international community to take more immediate and decisive action.
Editor: President Abbas mentioned the urgent need for international intervention. What kind of response can we expect from the international community, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict?
Dr. Abed: The calls for international intervention usually trigger discussions within the United Nations and among key global powers. However, the effectiveness of such interventions often depends on the political will of these nations. The international community has been criticized for its slow response in the past, so it remains to be seen if this meeting will galvanize a more substantial reaction.
Editor: Abbas also emphasized that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state. How does this perspective shape the larger narrative of Palestinian statehood?
Dr. Abed: It’s significant because Abbas is reiterating a core tenet of Palestinian identity and statehood. The insistence on Gaza being part of the Palestinian state underscores that any solution must encompass the entirety of Palestinian territory, including both Gaza and the West Bank. This unity is essential for any meaningful progress towards peace and recognition on the international stage.
Editor: The discussions also touched on the recent actions taken by Israel in both Gaza and the West Bank. What are your thoughts on how these actions are perceived within the global context of human rights?
Dr. Abed: The actions described by Abbas—especially when framed as violations of international law—have garnered increasing attention from human rights organizations. Global perceptions are evolving, and many countries and organizations are questioning the legality and morality of these actions. This might pressure Israel, along with its allies, to reconsider its strategies, especially in the face of mounting international criticism.
Editor: As we look toward future diplomatic efforts, what role do you see organizations like the International Court of Justice and calls for an International Peace Conference playing?
Dr. Abed: The International Court of Justice has a crucial role, as its opinions can shape international law and influence public discourse. Additionally, the call for an International Peace Conference is a significant step towards engaging various stakeholders in the peace process. Unity among countries that recognize Palestine can fortify its claims on the international stage and could be a step towards broader diplomatic recognition.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Abed, for providing your insights on this pressing issue. It will be interesting to see how these developments unfold in the coming weeks.
Dr. Abed: Thank you for having me. I hope for a swift resolution to the humanitarian crisis and a path toward peace for all parties involved.
Ered significant attention from human rights organizations and the global community. Many critics view Israel’s military operations as not only a humanitarian crisis but also a human rights issue, especially given the impact on civilians, including children and the elderly. International norms dictate that military actions must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, and allegations of war crimes, such as disproportionate use of force, could lead to calls for accountability on an international stage.
Editor: With the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza, how do you see the role of international organizations like the United Nations evolving in this regard?
Dr. Abed: The role of the United Nations will be increasingly scrutinized as the situation develops. While resolutions have been passed calling for ceasefires and humanitarian access, the effectiveness of the UN hinges on member states’ consensus and willingness to act. The Security Council’s dynamics, particularly with veto powers, can greatly influence the response. If the humanitarian catastrophe deepens, there may be increased pressure on the UN to take more decisive actions, which could range from sanctions to diplomatic interventions.
Editor: Lastly, considering Abbas’s statement on gaining recognition for Palestine at the UN and pursuing membership, what does this mean for future political efforts?
Dr. Abed: Abbas’s push for recognition and full membership at the UN reflects a strategy aimed at gaining legitimacy and support for the Palestinian cause. It serves to strengthen the narrative of Palestinian statehood and could help mobilize international support. However, achieving this goal would require overcoming significant political hurdles, particularly given the existing geopolitical dynamics. Ultimately, this endeavor must be coupled with on-the-ground realities in Palestine to reinforce the larger struggle for peace and rights.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Abed, for your insights on this pressing issue. It is crucial to stay informed and engaged as the situation evolves.
Dr. Abed: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to continue the dialogue and raise awareness about the challenges faced by the Palestinian people, especially in these difficult times.
