Gaza“/>
Palestinian PRESIDENT Mahmoud Abbas, Thursday (24/10), said that his people would never leave the Gaza Strip as he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Russia.
“The Palestinians will never leave Gaza, just as they will never leave the West Bank. This is an important thing,” Abbas said during talks on the third and final day of the summit in Kazan.
“Netanyahu, in turn, is trying to do this, to expel the Palestinian people from their homeland, but we will never do this,” he added.
He said he knew Egypt and Jordan did not support the policy and underlined that Gaza was an integral part of the Palestinian state.
“Therefore, we intend to work to end the occupation, so that we can then live in one Palestinian state together with Gaza, together with the West Bank,” Abbas said.
The Palestinian president said his people only want a ceasefire, which he said is something everyone demands. In principle, he further expressed hope that Palestine would be able to achieve this and begin providing increased humanitarian assistance.
He added that Palestine is pleased with Russia’s strong position in support of the Palestinian cause and the sovereign right of the Palestinian people to achieve all their goals and establish our state.
Putin said the situation in the region was deteriorating and tensions were rising in the West Bank. “Russia’s principled position is consistent and in no way opportunistic. We firmly advocate an early end to the bloodshed and the provision of humanitarian access for all in need. We call on all parties to exercise restraint,” Putin said.
He indicated that lasting peace can only be achieved through a political and diplomatic settlement on the basis of known international law, which provides for the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state that will coexist in peace and security with Israel.
Israel has continued brutal attacks on Gaza since last year’s attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.
More than 42,800 people, mostly women and children, have been killed, and more than 100,500 people injured, according to local health authorities. The Israeli offensive has displaced almost the entire population of the region amid a blockade that has caused shortages of food, clean water and medicine. (Ant/Z-2)
#Putin #Abbas #Affirmed #People #Leave #Gaza
**Interview with Mahmoud Abbas on Gaza and Palestinian Statehood**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, President Abbas. You recently spoke with President Putin about the situation in Gaza. Can you summarize the key points you discussed?
**Mahmoud Abbas:** Thank you for having me. During our discussions, I emphasized that the Palestinian people will never abandon Gaza, just as we will never leave the West Bank. This commitment is crucial as we face ongoing attempts by some, including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, to forcibly remove us from our homeland.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the importance of Gaza as part of a Palestinian state. Can you elaborate on that vision?
**Mahmoud Abbas:** Absolutely. Gaza is an integral part of our future state, and we must work towards ending the occupation. For us, the goal is to live in one Palestinian state that encompasses both Gaza and the West Bank. Our identity and existence are tied to every inch of our land.
**Interviewer:** You also touched on the role of regional partners like Egypt and Jordan. What do you see as their responsibility in this context?
**Mahmoud Abbas:** Both Egypt and Jordan have historically supported the rights of the Palestinian people. I believe they share our vision of a peaceful solution and do not endorse policies that seek to displace Palestinians. Their involvement and support are essential in our quest for statehood.
**Interviewer:** You’ve called for a ceasefire as the people of Gaza suffer. In your view, what are the next steps towards achieving that?
**Mahmoud Abbas:** The call for a ceasefire resonates with everyone who values peace. It is our immediate demand. Following that, we must engage in substantive dialogue that brings an end to the occupation and paves the way for a viable Palestinian state, with the hopes of enhancing security and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, President Abbas, for sharing your insights with us today.
**Mahmoud Abbas:** Thank you for the opportunity to speak about these important issues.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, President Abbas. You recently spoke with President Putin about the situation in Gaza. Can you summarize the key points you discussed?
**Mahmoud Abbas:** Thank you for having me. During our discussions, I emphasized that the Palestinian people will never abandon Gaza, just as we will never leave the West Bank. This commitment is crucial as we face ongoing attempts by some, including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, to forcibly remove us from our homeland.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the importance of Gaza as part of a Palestinian state. Can you elaborate on that vision?
**Mahmoud Abbas:** Absolutely. Gaza is an integral part of our future state, and we must work towards ending the occupation. Both Gaza and the West Bank represent our identity and aspirations as a people. We envision a single Palestinian state where both territories coexist peacefully, and we are committed to achieving that.
**Interviewer:** You noted in your speech that your people are seeking a ceasefire. Why is this so critical at this juncture?
**Mahmoud Abbas:** A ceasefire is essential for humanitarian reasons and to alleviate the suffering of our people. Over 42,800 lives have been lost due to the ongoing conflict, many of whom are women and children. We want to stop the bloodshed and begin to provide increased humanitarian assistance to those in need. It’s a basic demand that resonates universally.
**Interviewer:** President Putin expressed his concern over the deteriorating situation in the region. How do you view Russia’s role in supporting the Palestinian cause?
**Mahmoud Abbas:** We appreciate Russia’s strong support for our rights and their principled stance in favor of a sovereign Palestinian state. Their commitment to ending the conflict and ensuring humanitarian access is vital. We believe that peace can only be achieved through political and diplomatic solutions based on international law.
**Interviewer:** what message do you have for the international community regarding the current situation?
**Mahmoud Abbas:** My message is clear: we urge the international community to advocate for both a ceasefire and support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. It is time to confront the realities on the ground and work towards lasting peace that recognizes our rights and aspirations. Thank you.
