Gaza, Palestine – In an official statement following the implementation of the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for the Gaza Strip, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, affirmed the Authority’s support for the plan. He also called on the Italian government to recognize the State of Palestine.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Abbas said, “I will also ask the Italian government to recognize the State of Palestine.” He also welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza and the start of the first phase, which includes the release of hostages and prisoners, the entry of humanitarian aid administered by the United Nations, and the withdrawal of occupation forces to the agreed-upon lines of contact.
Abbas emphasized that the State of Palestine is the sovereign authority over Gaza. He also called for rebuilding the link between Gaza and the West Bank through institutions, laws, and governance. He noted the Palestinian Authority’s agreement to the temporary presence of an international Arab stabilization force mandated by the UN Security Council, and welcomed Italy’s role in this regard.
Abbas added that the Palestinian Authority strongly condemns the extrajudicial executions carried out by Hamas against dozens of citizens in Gaza. He emphasized that these measures harm the interests of the Palestinian people and hinder reconstruction efforts and the unification of state institutions.
He pointed out that the authority is working to build a modern, demilitarized, democratic state. It also plans to hold presidential and parliamentary elections within a year of the end of the war, in addition to drafting an interim constitution and amending electoral and political party laws.
Abbas stressed that the two-state solution remains the only option for achieving peace and stability in the region. He also expressed hope that international recognition of the State of Palestine, which includes more than 159 countries, would pave the way for a just and lasting peace.
This statement comes at a time when the region is witnessing significant political developments, amid international efforts to resolve the conflict and achieve long-term stability in Gaza and the West Bank.
