Palestinian President Abbas warns of ‘dangerous escalation’ by Israel
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are facing a “dangerous escalation” by the Israeli government. As Anadolu Agency reports, he spoke at the opening of the first session of the Fatah Revolutionary Council.
Statements on the West Bank
According to Abbas, the escalation includes the expansion of settlements, settler violence, the seizure of land and pastures, house demolitions, as well as the establishment of military checkpoints. He said that such restrictions cut off Palestinian cities and villages and complicate the population’s economic and social life.
Abbas also claims that Israel is withholding more than $6 billion in Palestinian funds. In his view, this is part of a policy aimed at weakening Palestinians’ ability to remain on their land and encouraging them to emigrate.
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Call regarding Gaza
Speaking about the Gaza Strip, Abbas called for the immediate and full implementation of the second stage of US President Donald Trump’s plan. According to him, this should provide for a ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops.
The Palestinian Authority reports killings, arrests, house demolitions, attacks on mosques and cars, the destruction of agricultural land, restrictions on farmers’ access to their land, and forced displacement in the West Bank. According to Palestinian data, around 750,000 Israeli settlers live in this territory, including East Jerusalem, in 156 settlements and 360 outposts.
The Palestinian Authority also states that since October 8, 2023, more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, while more than 174,000 have been injured.
