Abbas to Visit Germany, Mobilize Support for Palestine’s Full UN Membership

A Palestinian waves a national flag during clashes with Israeli forces over settlement activity in the West Bank. (Reuters)
A Palestinian waves a national flag during clashes with Israeli forces over settlement activity in the West Bank. (Reuters)
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Abbas to Visit Germany, Mobilize Support for Palestine’s Full UN Membership

A Palestinian waves a national flag during clashes with Israeli forces over settlement activity in the West Bank. (Reuters)
A Palestinian waves a national flag during clashes with Israeli forces over settlement activity in the West Bank. (Reuters)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is seeking to mobilize international support to obtain full membership for the Palestinian state in the United Nations.

Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) Executive Committee Hussein al-Sheikh said Abbas is scheduled to visit Germany in mid-August to tackle the issue.

Al-Sheikh held talks with head of the German Representative Office in Ramallah Oliver Owcza on the bilateral ties and preparations for Abbas’s trip.

Meanwhile, Fatah deputy chief Mahmoud al-Aloul said the Palestinians have countless political options to respond to Israeli crimes, including withdrawing recognition of Israel.

In remarks to Voice of Palestine radio station, Aloul deemed as “unacceptable” the recognition of Israel and upholding of existing agreements while Tel Aviv does not acknowledge Palestinian rights and the two-state solution and continues to commit crimes against Palestinians.

Aloul cited several potential measures against Israel, which Abbas froze ahead of his meeting with US President Joe Biden in Bethlehem in mid-July in the hopes of advancing the peace process, but that did not happen.

In February, the Central Council decided to suspend Palestine’s recognition of Israel until it recognizes the state of Palestine according to the June 4, 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.

Discussions have intensified in recent weeks over the measures, which also including ending all PLO and Palestinian Authority agreements with Israel and suspending all forms of security coordination.

Aloul said Abbas will focus during his talks in Germany on obtaining full Palestinian membership at the UN.



US Issues Security Alerts for Iran, Iraq, Israel and Jordan, Warns of Missile Attacks

Armored vehicles of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces are deployed outside the US embassy building in Baghdad's Green Zone on June 12, 2025. (AFP)
Armored vehicles of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces are deployed outside the US embassy building in Baghdad's Green Zone on June 12, 2025. (AFP)
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US Issues Security Alerts for Iran, Iraq, Israel and Jordan, Warns of Missile Attacks

Armored vehicles of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces are deployed outside the US embassy building in Baghdad's Green Zone on June 12, 2025. (AFP)
Armored vehicles of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces are deployed outside the US embassy building in Baghdad's Green Zone on June 12, 2025. (AFP)

The US State Department issued security alerts on Friday for several Middle Eastern countries, in some cases advising against travel and warning of possible missile attacks after Israel launched military strikes against Iran. 

It warned American citizens not to travel to Iran and said those there should leave. "US citizens who are unable to depart Iran should shelter in place," the advisory read. 

The alerts warned of missiles, drones or rockets flying over Iraqi and Jordanian airspace. "In the event of such an incident seek overhead cover and shelter in place. Do not expose yourself to falling debris," the department said. 

Israel said on Friday it had targeted Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. 

Iran promised a harsh response to the onslaught. Israel said about 100 drones had been launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation, although an Iranian source denied this. 

Airlines steered clear of much of the Middle East on Friday after the Israeli attacks forced carriers to cancel or divert thousands of flights in the latest upheaval to travel in the region. 

Late on Thursday, the State Department said it had directed all US government employees and their family members in Israel to shelter in place until further notice.