A statement issued by the White House on Friday said that US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed his deep sympathy for the Palestinian civilians who lost their lives in Gaza since October 7.
The statement added that Sullivan discussed with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas American efforts to increase the flow of humanitarian aid provided to Palestinian civilians in Gaza and stressed the importance of strengthening the protection of civilians.
The statement noted that Sullivan also discussed efforts to enhance stability in the West Bank, including ongoing measures against terrorism and incitement, in addition to recent measures to confront extremist settler violence against Palestinians.
Sullivan emphasized US President Joe Biden’s long-term vision of a more peaceful, integrated and prosperous Middle East, leading to a two-state solution that provides equal measures of justice, freedom and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
In turn, Abbas called for an end to Israeli military operations in Gaza “through an immediate ceasefire” and to spare civilians from fighting, stressing that “the Strip is an integral part of the Palestinian state.”
A statement reported by the Palestinian Wafa News Agency said that Abbas stressed during his meeting with Sullivan in the West Bank “the necessity of stopping the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.”
Abbas called for “an immediate ceasefire and genocidal war, especially in the Gaza Strip, in order to spare civilians the scourge of bombing, killing and destruction.”
Abbas reiterated his emphasis on “opening all crossings, doubling the entry of relief, medical and food supplies, and providing water, electricity and fuel as quickly as possible” into the Gaza Strip, according to the statement.
The statement indicated that Abbas asked the United States to “intervene to compel Israel” to stop its operations in the West Bank and “prevent forced displacement” in the West Bank and Gaza.
Abbas stressed that “peace and security can only be achieved through implementing the two-state solution… and that security and military solutions have proven their failure and will not achieve security and stability for the region.”
He stressed that “the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the Palestinian state,” refusing to accept Israel’s plans to separate it partially or completely.
Sullivan moved to Ramallah to meet Abbas after his visit earlier Friday to Israel, where he considered it not “right” to reoccupy Gaza in the long term.
Sullivan told reporters in Tel Aviv, “We do not consider it logical, or right, for Israel to occupy Gaza, or reoccupy Gaza in the long term,” explaining after meeting with prominent Israeli officials, “Ultimately, control and administration of Gaza must be transferred.” and its security to the Palestinians.”
He added, “We believe that the Palestinian Authority needs renewal and revitalization, and modernization with regard to its method of governance and its representation of the Palestinian people.”
Washington proposed that the Palestinian Authority play a role in governing the Gaza Strip, which has been controlled by Hamas since 2007, despite the authority’s declining popularity among the Palestinians.
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2023-12-15 20:52:05
