Mahmoud Abbas firmly opposes any attempts to relocate Palestinians from their homeland, emphasizing the right of refugees to return to their original homes.
At the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas unequivocally rejected proposals aimed at displacing Palestinians from their native lands. He described such initiatives as diversions from the ongoing issues of war crimes, genocide, and the expansion of settlements in Palestinian territories.
Abbas highlighted that the rightful place for the 1.5 million refugees residing in Gaza is their original cities and villages from which they were displaced in 1948, in line with United Nations Resolution 194. He called for immediate international intervention to halt Israeli actions that threaten the viability of a two-state solution.
These statements come in response to recent suggestions by U.S. President Donald Trump to “take over” Gaza and resettle its population in neighboring countries, transforming the area into a developed region. This proposal has faced widespread condemnation from Palestinian leaders and the international community, who view it as a violation of international law and an affront to Palestinian sovereignty.
Abbas also urged support for an upcoming international peace conference at the United Nations, aiming to mobilize global recognition for the state of Palestine and secure full UN membership. The conference seeks to implement a two-state solution based on established international laws and agreements.
The situation remains tense, with a ceasefire currently in effect in Gaza since January 19, following a devastating conflict that resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, advocating for peaceful resolutions and the protection of human rights in the region.