Khaberni - The Palestinian President conducted an important meeting with his Italian counterpart, President Mattarella, in the capital Rome, focusing on ways to enhance bilateral relations and the situation in the explosive Palestinian arena.
During the meeting, the President emphasized the necessity of completing the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from the sector and the takeover of full responsibilities by the State of Palestine over it. The President clearly stressed that Hamas will have no role in the governance of the Gaza Strip, demanding the unification of legitimate arms under the sole authority of the Palestinian state.
The meeting of the Palestinian President with the Italian leadership, including Pope Leo XIV and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (scheduled for later), is part of an intensive diplomatic tour aimed at mobilizing international support to establish a ceasefire and confront the ongoing escalation in the West Bank.
Focusing on the post-war phase in Gaza is a Palestinian and international priority to ensure the sector does not return to the control of armed factions, a principle that the President emphasized as "one state, one law, one legitimate arm."
The Palestinian President briefed his counterpart Mattarella on the latest field and political developments, and the ongoing efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, and the process of releasing hostages and prisoners.
He also discussed the Israeli escalation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, noting the continuation of settlement and settlers' crimes and ongoing annexation attempts.
Regarding internal steps, the President affirmed the full commitment of the State of Palestine to all agreed upon reforms, aiming to enhance "the unarmed democratic Palestinian state."
He clarified the future plan, which includes going to elections within one year after the end of the war, and issuing a provisional constitution and laws for parties and elections.
In a decisive step, the President confirmed the handover of the arms of all armed factions to the State of Palestine, including Hamas, stressing that the movement "will have no role in the governance of the Gaza Strip" after that phase, solidifying the principle of one national authority. The President valued the Italian humanitarian support for the Palestinian people, especially in hosting injured children.
The visit to Rome and the Palestinian President's clear commitments to a timeline for reforms and elections, reflect a Palestinian vision post-conflict that aligns with international conditions.
The emphasis on excluding Hamas from governance in Gaza, along with the call for factions to surrender their weapons, attempts to chart a unified sovereign path for Gaza and the West Bank. These statements are expected to have significant diplomatic implications in light of Western efforts aimed at building a strong and unified Palestinian authority that will take control of the sector after the war.
