Peace Requires Ending the Occupation, Abbas Says.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said achieving just peace in the region requires ending the Israeli occupation and realizing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, stressing that any integration of Israel into the region must be tied to achieving that goal in line with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday evening, Abbas said the Palestinian people and leadership remain steadfast on their land, rejecting what he called the unlawful theft of Palestinian land and settlement expansion — a position he said is grounded in UN Security Council Resolution 2334 — alongside condemning attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites.
Gaza Is Not Separate From a Future Palestinian State.
Abbas stressed that the Gaza Strip is “an inseparable part of the State of Palestine,” saying that any arrangements concerning the Strip must occur within the framework of a single Palestinian state, preserving the unity of the political system and Palestinian sovereign institutions. He affirmed the importance of Palestinian national unity, strengthening comprehensive national participation, and commitment to the PLO’s political program under the principles of one state, one legal system, and one legitimate weapon. He praised the efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in reaching the Gaza ceasefire and facilitating the entry of aid and reconstruction preparations, affirming support for international efforts to implement Resolution 2803, which he said ensures an end to the war and the return of Palestinian legitimacy to Gaza as part of the political transition.
Elections Confirmed for November, Amid a Financial Crisis Exceeding $6 Billion.
Abbas noted that the Palestinian Authority continues carrying out its duties toward the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, including providing salaries and basic services, despite a financial crisis driven by the Israeli government’s withholding of Palestinian tax clearance funds, which he said now exceeds $6 billion. On the domestic front, Abbas renewed his commitment to the national reform program, affirming his intention to proceed with legislative elections on November 28, 2026, to be followed by the convening of the National Council and then presidential elections in 2027.
Abbas also briefed Erdogan on Israeli escalation in Jerusalem and the West Bank, including attacks on holy sites, settler terrorism, expanding settlement activity, and violations against Islamic sites, in addition to the ongoing withholding of Palestinian funds, which he said is strangling the national economy. The two leaders discussed strengthening Turkish-Palestinian cooperation and ways to broaden dialogue, understanding, and regional security and stability, with Abbas thanking Turkey and Erdogan for their positions supporting Palestinian rights and the humanitarian aid provided to the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza, including hosting the wounded and students. He closed by affirming continued Palestinian-Turkish coordination toward achieving Palestinian freedom, independence, and statehood with East Jerusalem as its capital, in a way that brings security, peace, and stability to the region.
