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.
