Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas recently met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Cairo. They discussed key issues affecting Gaza and the West Bank, focusing on maintaining ceasefire and humanitarian aid while opposing Israeli settlement expansion. Their meeting symbolized a strengthening of ties between Palestine and Syria amidst ongoing regional tensions.
In a historic meeting in Cairo, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa for the first time since the regime change in Syria last December. Their discussion occurred during an emergency Arab summit aimed at addressing the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and opposing U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal regarding Palestinian displacement in Gaza.
They addressed the pressing issues in the occupied West Bank, emphasizing that Gaza remains an essential part of Palestine. Abbas outlined key priorities: sustaining the ceasefire in Gaza, delivering humanitarian aid, and ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory, as reported by the Palestine News Agency.
Both leaders condemned Israeli policies that threaten Palestinian territorial integrity, including the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and the displacement of Palestinian refugees. They expressed concern about the impact of these actions on the viability of a future Palestinian state.
Following the regime change that saw Bashar Assad’s departure, Israeli forces have taken control of parts of southern Syria, notably the Mount Hermon area, disrupting longstanding agreements. Present at the meeting were Hussein Al-Sheikh, secretary-general of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and Diab Al-Louh, the Palestinian ambassador to Egypt.
The meeting between Abbas and Al-Sharaa signifies a pivotal moment for Palestinian and Syrian relations amid current tensions in the region. They focused on joint efforts to maintain peace in Gaza and counteract Israeli expansionism, advocating for Palestinian rights and sovereignty. The discussions reflected a unified stance against external pressures, particularly from U.S. policy.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
