Palestinian President Receives Phone call from Cypriot Counterpart

President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas received a phone call on Sunday evening from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, during which the two leaders reviewed the latest political developments and the situation in Palestine, with a particular focus on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as prospects for achieving peace in line with international legitimacy, according to the WAFA news agency.

During the call, President Abbas expressed his gratitude for the outreach, praising the strong bonds of friendship between Palestine and Cyprus and their peoples. He also commended Cyprus’ political stance in support of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights to freedom and independence, as well as its adherence to the two-state solution based on international law.

Abbas highlighted the importance of the role Cyprus is expected to play during its upcoming presidency of the European Union at the start of next year.

The Palestinian president further conveyed appreciation for the humanitarian assistance Cyprus has provided to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

President Abbas reaffirmed the State of Palestine’s commitment to the plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, stressing the need to begin implementing its second phase, as agreed between Hamas and Israel. This phase includes Hamas surrendering its weapons and relinquishing control of Gaza, the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, strengthening the ceasefire, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid and shelter supplies, and advancing reconstruction efforts.

He also underscored the urgency of ending Israeli violations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, particularly halting settlement expansion and settler violence, and releasing Palestinian funds currently being withheld.

In closing, President Abbas reiterated Palestine’s readiness to immediately assume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, and its willingness to cooperate with President Trump, mediators, and international partners to implement the two-state solution in accordance with international legitimacy, enabling the Palestinian people to achieve freedom and independence, and allowing the State of Palestine to coexist alongside the State of Israel in security, peace, and good neighborly relations.