Washington, DC – US President Donald Trump praised Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, describing him as a “wise man who is respected by Palestinians.”
This came during an extensive interview published by Time magazine on Thursday,
which addressed his positions on political developments in the Middle East, particularly the day after the war on Gaza.
The magazine asked Trump about his recent meeting with the Palestinian president in Sharm el-Sheikh, and he said:
“As you know, he is a very different man in his personal life than he appears in public.
He congratulated me on the success of the Gaza ceasefire plan and said,
“I have dealt with seven presidents before you, but you have done what no one else could do.”
Trump added that President Abbas is widely respected among Palestinians, saying:
“I’ve known him since my first term, and he’s a man who’s respected as a wise and calm man.
He’s visited the White House several times and told me I’ve accomplished what no other president has.”
Asked whether he saw Abbas leading a new Palestinian Authority in Gaza after the war, Trump said:
“I’ve always found Abbas rational, but it’s too early to say whether he’ll take on this role. I’ll look into it at the right time.”
Trump’s remarks come amid American and international efforts to reorganize the Palestinian situation after the ceasefire in Gaza.
Amid expectations that the Palestinian Authority will play a pivotal role in managing the Gaza Strip with Arab and international support.
Observers also considered Trump’s statements a positive sign towards strengthening the US-Palestinian relationship.
After years of tension during his first term, especially following his decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem in 2018.
