Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa convened in Cairo for the first time since the Syrian leadership change in December. They discussed key issues including the Gaza Strip reconstruction and opposition to U.S. plans affecting Palestinian displacement. Abbas prioritized the ceasefire, aid provision, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while both leaders condemned Israeli expansionist policies in the region.
In a significant diplomatic encounter, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Cairo, marking their first meeting since changes in Syrian leadership occurred last December. Their discussions took place during an emergency Arab summit aimed at addressing the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and opposing the controversial proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump that seeks to displace Palestinians and assert control over Gaza.
During their meeting, Abbas and Al-Sharaa reviewed recent developments in the occupied West Bank and emphasized the integral status of the Gaza Strip within Palestine. President Abbas articulated that the immediate goals include maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza, delivering humanitarian assistance, and ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave as reported by the Palestine News Agency.
Both leaders have unified their stance against Israeli actions that threaten Palestinian territorial integrity. They denounced the ongoing Israeli government policies that facilitate the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, displace numerous Palestinians from refugee camps, and advance plans to annex portions of Palestinian territory, which jeopardizes the aspiration for a sovereign Palestinian state.
In light of the changes in Syria following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime, Israeli military forces have gained control over segments of the southern Syrian region, including the vital Mount Hermon summit, consequently breaching long-standing agreements in the area. The meeting also included prominent figures such as 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 Presidents Abbas and Al-Sharaa represents a pivotal moment in Palestinian-Syrian relations, highlighting their collective approach towards the geopolitical issues affecting their territories. Their dialogue reinforces a shared commitment to Palestinian sovereignty and regional stability, amid ongoing challenges posed by Israeli policies. The engagement underscores the importance of unity among Arab states in addressing the crisis in Gaza and maintaining Palestinian territorial integrity.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
