Abbas Vows to Visit Gaza Despite Israeli Siege: “Victory or Martyrdom”
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has made a bold declaration, pledging to visit the besieged Gaza Strip in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Speaking before Turkey’s Grand National Assembly, Abbas emphasized his unwavering commitment to his people, even if it means risking his life.
Abbas Commits to Standing by the Palestinian People
Addressing Turkish lawmakers on Thursday, Abbas expressed his deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 40,000 due to the ongoing Israeli military actions. He criticized the international community for its “silence” in the face of what he described as atrocities committed by Israel.
“I have decided to head to the Gaza Strip along with all the brothers from the Palestinian leadership,” Abbas declared, reiterating his commitment to stand with the Palestinian people. “I will work with all my power so that all of us are standing with our people to stop this barbaric aggression even if that would cost us our life. Our life is not more valuable than that of the smallest child in Gaza.”
While it remains unclear when or how he will make his journey to Gaza, his announcement has sparked significant attention. The territory has been under a stringent Israeli blockade, with the Rafah crossing—the sole gateway between Egypt and Gaza—being controlled by Israel for months.
Read More:Doha Gaza Ceasefire Talks Amid Hamas Uncertainty
“Victory or Martyrdom,” Abbas Declares
The 88-year-old leader, who has been vocal in his criticism of Hamas, a rival faction to his Fatah movement, emphasized the importance of unity among Palestinians. Despite the differences between Fatah and Hamas, he called for unity and patience in the face of adversity, particularly after the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month—a move Abbas condemned as a “cowardly act.”
“Gaza is an integral part of the unified Palestinian state. There will be no state in Gaza alone. The Palestinian people will not be broken and will never surrender,” Abbas stated, reinforcing the notion that Gaza remains central to the Palestinian national struggle.
Abbas’s commitment to visiting Gaza is seen as a significant move, given the severe restrictions and dangers posed by the Israeli blockade. The Palestinian leader also highlighted the necessity of rebuilding Gaza and healing the wounds of its people, with support from Arab and Islamic nations as well as global allies. He emphasized that this would be done within the framework of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
A Call for Accountability and Justice
Abbas also extended his gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his “principled and courageous” support for the Palestinian cause. He called for accountability for Israel’s actions in Gaza, where nearly the entire population has been displaced and large parts of the territory have been reduced to rubble.
“The murderers and war criminals will not escape punishment, and we will continue our struggle and fight to achieve justice in Palestine,” Abbas declared, signaling his determination to pursue justice for the Palestinian people.
As the situation in Gaza remains dire, Abbas’s pledge to visit the territory underscores the gravity of the ongoing conflict and the Palestinian leadership’s resolve to stand by their people in the face of overwhelming challenges.
