Synopsis
On April 23, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas proposed an international peace summit under the auspices of the UN and other global powers. The aim is to foster a just and lasting peace in the region while addressing the ongoing Gaza conflict and promoting Palestinian unity.Key Takeaways
- Call for an international peace conference.
- Focus on UN resolutions and past agreements.
- Proposal for a new Vice President position in the PLO.
- Discussion of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Emphasis on Palestinian unity and national rights.
Ramallah, April 23 (NationPress) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday advocated for an international peace conference to be convened under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), the United States, Russia, China, the European Union, Japan, South Africa, and Brazil, with the goal of establishing a fair, all-encompassing, and enduring peace in the region.
During his address at a meeting of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Central Council in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Abbas emphasized that the planned conference should adhere to the resolutions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly, the International Court of Justice, the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, and the agreements previously signed between the PLO and Israel.
He also discussed the establishment of a new role for Vice President of the Executive Committee of the PLO and the State of Palestine, indicating he has submitted this proposal to the PLO National Council and requested the President to initiate necessary legal amendments to the PLO's foundational laws to create this position.
The Central Council commenced its two-day session on Wednesday in Ramallah, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The agenda for the meeting includes deliberations on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and the introduction of the Vice President position within the PLO, marking a historic first.
Earlier on Wednesday, Hamas noted that the PLO meeting could serve as a chance to forge a unified national stance.
The group underscored the necessity for the meeting to yield responsible and bold decisions aimed at ceasing hostilities and reinstating a consolidated Palestinian front to defend national rights.
The PLO is a coalition of factions that signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1993 and established a new government within the Palestinian Authority, promising statehood that has yet to materialize. Both entities are primarily led by Fatah, headed by Abbas.
In contrast, Hamas did not participate in the 1993 agreements and does not recognize Israel.
While Abbas has not explicitly condemned the October 7 attack on Israel, he has previously criticized Hamas for it and consistently denounced assaults against civilians.
Abbas's address outlined his vision for the establishment of a Palestinian state, advocating for an end to the violence in Gaza and renewed efforts to unify Palestinian political factions under the PLO's banner. His priorities also included a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
