Khaberni - A phone call took place between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Pope Leone XIV today, Monday, during which the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and the region were discussed.
Abbas thanked the Pope for his humanitarian stances calling for an end to the war in Gaza, establishing peace based on the two-state solution, and rejecting unilateral actions that undermine the chances of achieving peace.
The Palestinian President informed the Pope about the dangerous situation in Jerusalem, amid the ongoing Israeli violations against the holy sites, notably the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to worshippers, and banning prayers there, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
He also informed the Pope about the severity of the situation in the West Bank, due to the escalation of settler terrorism, annexation plans, and settlement expansion, and the continued withholding of Palestinian funds, which threatens to undermine the institutions of the State of Palestine.
Abbas also discussed the difficult situations in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing suffering of the citizens due to the halt of humanitarian aid entry and the closure of the Rafah crossing.
He also affirmed, the State of Palestine's condemnation of the Iranian attacks that targeted the Gulf states and the region, expressing Palestine's refusal to tamper with its sovereignty, security, stability, and the safety of its citizens, reaffirmed the State of Palestine's position to stand by the Gulf states, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the countries subjected to the brutal Iranian attacks, and supporting their actions, emphasizing the importance of stopping this war and returning to dialogue to achieve security and stability in the region. At the same time, the State of Palestine expresses deep condemnation and concern about the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the destruction of South towns.
Abbas emphasized the need, after the cessation of the war in the region, to convene an international peace conference and implement the Arab Peace Initiative to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and Arab lands in Lebanon and Syria, paving the way for achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region.
For his part, the Pope confirmed the Vatican's consistent position in supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and achieving peace on their land in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of continuing to provide aid in the Gaza Strip.
The Pope also expressed his hope for the cessation of the suffering of the Lebanese people due to the war, calling for an end to wars and the achievement of peace, justice, and security for all countries in the region.
His Excellency and the Pope exchanged congratulations on the upcoming occasions of Eid al-Fitr and the glorious Easter, and agreed to continue communication and ongoing consultation between the two sides.
