Turkish President welcomes Palestinian counterpart
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- Abbas backs Mecca agreement for regional stability.
- Palestinian leader demands end to occupation.
- Abbas calls for Gaza ceasefire and statehood.
- He condemns West Bank escalation and withheld funds.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated Wednesday that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement could serve as a critical starting point for ensuring regional stability and security across the Middle East.
Speaking at a joint news conference in Ankara alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan following what he described as "very important and productive" bilateral talks, Abbas expressed hope that the accord would safeguard regional security and advance the broader interests of the Muslim Ummah.
"This agreement is very important," Abbas stated during the press conference. "I hope it will be a starting point for ensuring stability and security in the region and defending the interests of the Muslim Ummah."
President Abbas reaffirmed that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved by ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state with occupied East Jerusalem as its capital, within the framework of international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Addressing the situation in Gaza, Abbas noted that while a ceasefire was brokered through joint efforts by Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, humanitarian aid has yet to enter the enclave.
He called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the swift restoration of legitimate Palestinian sovereignty in Gaza.
"There can be no state in Gaza, and there can be no state without Gaza," Abbas stressed, affirming that Gaza remains an integral part of the Palestinian state.
Abbas also highlighted the financial challenges facing the Palestinian Authority, noting that 'Israel' continues to withhold approximately $6.5 billion belonging to the Palestinians, which hampers the establishment of fully functioning political and financial institutions.
During their discussions, Abbas and Erdogan addressed escalating tensions in the West Bank and Jerusalem, citing violence by occupiers operating under the protection of the 'Israeli' military, alongside ongoing attacks targeting Muslim and Christian holy sites.
Reaffirming rejection of forced displacement, Abbas cited UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which declares 'Israeli' settlements in occupied Palestinian territories illegal.
Abbas emphasized Palestinian unity and adherence to the political program of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and national reform plans.
"We are one state and will remain one state, united under one legislature and one authority," Abbas stated.
Looking ahead, Abbas attached great importance to the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled for November 28.
Concluding his remarks, the Palestinian president expressed gratitude to President Erdogan and Türkiye for providing humanitarian aid, hosting Palestinian students, treating the wounded, and supporting Palestinian rights on the international stage.
