Abbas, in rare interview to 'Israeli' channel, says he hopes peace will prevail

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, in a rare interview with 'Israel's' Channel 12 network Thursday, expressed hope that peace would prevail between Palestinians and 'Israelis' following the signing of a Gaza ceasefire agreement.

"What happened today is a historic moment. We have been hoping -- and continue to hope -- that we can bring an end to the bloodshed taking place in our land, whether in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, or East Jerusalem," Abbas said.

"Today, we are very happy that the bloodshed has ceased. We hope it remains this way, and that peace, security, and stability will prevail between us and Israel."