President Mahmoud Abbas expressed during a telephone call with Pope Francis his great appreciation for the role and efforts played by the Pope in supporting endeavors to achieve peace in the region and the entire world.
President Abbas stressed the need for the Vatican to continue its efforts for the immediate cessation of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip in order to spare civilians the scourges of war.
The president affirmed the continuation of efforts with all parties to stop the aggression, bring in aid via all border crossings with Gaza, prevent displacement and ensure the complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, in addition to halting colonial activities and all crimes committed by the occupation authorities and terrorist colonists against Palestinians.
The president said that efforts are also underway to defend the Palestinian people in Jerusalem and preserve the identity and character of the city of Jerusalem and the historical and legal status of its Christian and Islamic holy sites.
President Abbas recalled the Pope’s efforts and his call in 2014 to pray for peace and the Vatican’s recognition of the State of Palestine in 2015.
He reiterated his call for all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to follow suit, stressing the importance of recognizing Palestine as a full member of the United Nations to maintain peace, stability and security in the region and the world.
