Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced his intention to visit both the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem. Speaking at an extraordinary session of the Turkish parliament, Abbas declared, "We have no other choice, so I and other members of the leadership of the Palestinian National Authority have decided to visit Gaza and after that Jerusalem."
He also urged global leaders and the UN Secretary-General to visit Gaza and ensure that the Palestinian leadership can access the area. Abbas has not been to Gaza since 2007, when Hamas took control of the Strip, and despite several planned visits, such as in 2011, none have taken place. Hamas does not recognize the Palestinian National Authority's jurisdiction over Gaza, while Abbas and his representatives view Gaza as an integral part of Palestine.
Hamas representatives have not yet responded to Abbas's statements.
Background on Intra-Palestinian Conflict
The conflict between the Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip dates back to the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, which established self-governance in these regions and created the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and a Palestinian Legislative Council. Tensions escalated in 2007 when Hamas took control of Gaza, leading to a split in Palestinian governance. The PLO continues to govern the West Bank.
Recent efforts to resolve the divide included talks in Moscow and Beijing in early 2024, culminating in a July 23 agreement among 14 Palestinian factions to form a government of national accord. This government would oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, manage both the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and prepare for upcoming elections.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS