RAMALLAH: Palestine President Mahmud Abbas said that Palestinian Authority could return to power in Gaza Strip only if Comprehensive solution is found for Israel bombardment of Gaza.

We (Palestinian Authority) will fully assume our responsibilities within framework of comprehensive political solution that includes all of West Bank, including east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip, Abbas told visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

Palestinian President demanded an immediate Israeli ceasefire at meeting with top US diplomat Antony Blinken, as Gaza’s Health Ministry said dozens died in strike on refugee camp overnight.

Blinken, who has repeatedly dismissed idea of ceasefire by Israel for fear it would benefit Hamas, was making an unannounced visit to occupied West Bank, as part of effort to try and ensure Israel-Hamas war does not spread in region.

His visit to Ramallah took place as people sifted through rubble for victims or survivors at Maghazi refugee camp refugee camp in Gaza.

“We demand that you stop them from committing these crimes immediately,” Abbas told Blinken, demanding an “Immediate ceasefire” from Israel.

“There are no words to describe war of genocide and destruction to which our Palestinian people are being subjected in Gaza at hands of Israeli war machine, without regard to rules of international law,” Palestinian news agency WAFA quoted Abbas as telling Blinken. Abbas has had little sway in Gaza since Hamas takeover of enclave in 2007.

Blinken and Abbas “Discussed efforts to restore calm and stability in West Bank, including need to stop extremist violence against Palestinians and hold those accountable responsible,” spokesperson Miller said.

Blinken is to visit Turkey today for talks on conflict, continuing his second trip to region since conflict reignited. Gaza Health officials said more than 9,770 Palestinians have been martyred in war, injuring 1,400 people and taking more than 240 others hostage.

Palestinian Red Crescent said there was also intense bombardment, violent artillery explosions and air strikes in vicinity of Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza’s Tal Al-Hawa area.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 06 2023

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