Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Cairo, marking their first meeting since Syria’s regime change in December. The leaders discussed Gaza, underscoring its importance as part of Palestine and emphasizing the need for ceasefire and aid. They expressed collective opposition to Israeli policies threatening Palestinian territories amid regional changes.
In a significant diplomatic development, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has held a meeting with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. This encounter marks the first such engagement since the change of power in Syria in December of last year. The meeting took place in Cairo during an emergency Arab summit, which seeks to address the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and counteract U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposals regarding Palestinian displacement.
During their discussions, Abbas and Al-Sharaa reviewed the current situation in the occupied West Bank, asserting that Gaza remains a vital part of Palestinian territory. Abbas emphasized the necessity of upholding the ceasefire in Gaza, delivering humanitarian assistance, and ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area, as reported by the Palestine News Agency.
Both leaders articulated their shared opposition to ongoing Israeli policies that threaten to diminish their territory. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, coupled with the displacement of thousands of Palestinians and plans to annex portions of land, undermines the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The context of the meeting is critical, coming in the wake of the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime, which has led to Israeli forces occupying strategic regions in southern Syria, such as Mount Hermon. This shift has disrupted a long-standing agreement and altered the regional balance of power.
Attending alongside Abbas and Al-Sharaa were Hussein Al-Sheikh, the Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and Diab Al-Louh, the Palestinian ambassador to Egypt. Their presence underscores the importance of collaboration among Palestinian leadership in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.
This meeting between President Abbas and President Al-Sharaa signifies a pivotal moment for Palestinian-Syrian relations, particularly in light of recent changes in Syria’s political landscape. With a focus on Gaza’s reconstruction and the opposition to Israeli expansionism, both leaders aim to reaffirm Palestine’s territorial integrity and advocate for their people’s rights on the international stage.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
