Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to achieving “Palestinian independence and sovereignty.”

In a statement marking the 36th anniversary of the “Palestinian Declaration of Independence by the PLO,” Abbas underscored the significance of that declaration. He stated, “The declaration of independence in 1988 was not a symbolic move, but rather is the central goal of the Palestinian national resistance, a legitimate right and an expression of the unbreakable bond between the Palestinian people and their historic homeland.”

Abbas stressed that any attempt to uphold the two-state solution must begin with an immediate halt to what he described as aggression against Gaza. “Any discussion regarding the preservation of the two-state solution must begin with an immediate cessation of aggression against the Gaza Strip,” he emphasized.

The PA chairman urged the global community to support the Palestinian Authority’s bid for full membership in the United Nations General Assembly. “We emphasize that we will never deviate, compromise or bargain for our rights and our national principles, and these are the goals for which tens of thousands of shaheeds and heroic prisoners have sacrificed,” said Abbas.

He reiterated that while the Palestinians remain open to dialogue, it must not come at the cost of their fundamental rights. “Our hand will continue to be extended for peace, but not at any price, as peace begins with our right to an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Abbas declared.

In his closing remarks, Abbas lauded individuals involved in acts of violence against Jews, including the Nukhba terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on October 7, 2023.

{Matzav.com Israel}