عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Abbas to Macron: We Recognize the State of Israel, Want it to Recognize Palestine

French President Emmanuel Macron and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meet in Ramallah in the West Bank on Tuesday. (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meet in Ramallah in the West Bank on Tuesday. (AP)
TT
TT

Abbas to Macron: We Recognize the State of Israel, Want it to Recognize Palestine

French President Emmanuel Macron and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meet in Ramallah in the West Bank on Tuesday. (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meet in Ramallah in the West Bank on Tuesday. (AP)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Tuesday that Palestine has recognized the State of Israel and its right to exist for 40 years, asking Israel in turn to recognize a Palestinian state and its right to exist.

Abbas received French President Emmanuel Macron in Ramallah, who visited Israel to show solidarity following the Hamas attack on Oct. 7.

The Palestinian President demanded a "complete ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip and the opening of permanent corridors to deliver humanitarian aid to people in the coastal enclave.

Abbas urged France to use its influence in the United Nations Security Council to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza immediately, provide urgent international protection for the Palestinians, hold an international peace conference, and work on a political solution.

Abbas accused Israel of choosing a destructive military option instead of peace, saying Tel Aviv and the countries backing it were responsible for the destruction and deaths in the Strip.

The President rejected displacing Palestinians from their homes and lands, whether they are in Gaza, the West Bank, or Jerusalem.

He warned that military options may lead to a regional or global war.

The Gaza Strip is part of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, said Abbas, asserting his rejection of any partial or security solutions for the enclave.

Moreover, Abbas stressed the commitment of Palestine to international legitimacy and signed agreements, policies of non-violence, and peaceful popular resistance.

The Palestinian leader condemned the killing of civilians on both sides and called for the release of civilians, prisoners, and detainees held by both parties.

For his part, Macron focused on an international coalition against Hamas, saying it does not represent the Palestinian people.

He told reporters that "nothing can justify" the suffering of civilians in the Palestinian territory, stressing that civilian lives have the same value, regardless of nationality.

Macron described Hamas as terrorist, telling Abbas there must be a security and peace initiative based on combating all terrorist groups.

In Ramallah, Palestinians protested against Macron's visit, following his positions in support of Israel.

Macron pledged to ensure financial support for the Palestinians in the West Bank and accelerate sending aid to the Gaza Strip.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
TT
TT

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.