"We aspire to live side by side with our neighbors, the Israelis, in peace and security."
This quote by Mahmoud Abbas expresses a desire for peaceful coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis. It implies a longing for mutual respect, understanding, and friendship, as well as a shared sense of security - the kind that only comes when tensions are minimized and cooperation is fostered. In essence, Abbas envisions a future where both sides can coexist harmoniously without conflict or fear.
"The Palestinian people's right to self-determination is non-negotiable."
This quote by Mahmoud Abbas underscores the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to control their own destiny, free from external interference or domination. In international law, the right to self-determination means that peoples have the right to freely choose their sovereignty and political status, as well as the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues defines it as including the right to land, resources, culture, language, identity, and political participation. Therefore, this statement emphasizes that the Palestinian people's claims for an independent homeland and autonomy are essential and not subject to compromise or negotiation.
"Peace is the only way to end the conflict and build a future of freedom, justice, prosperity and coexistence for our peoples."
This quote emphasizes that peace is essential for resolving conflicts and constructing a future characterized by freedom, justice, prosperity, and coexistence for all involved parties. Essentially, Mahmoud Abbas advocates for peaceful resolution of disputes to achieve shared goals of progress, equality, and living harmoniously together.
"We will not be satisfied with anything less than an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital."
Mahmoud Abbas' statement underscores the Palestinian quest for sovereignty and self-determination. By calling for a "Palestinian state" on the "1967 borders," he is advocating for territorial boundaries that existed prior to the Six-Day War in 1967, before the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. The demand for East Jerusalem as the capital signifies a desire for a united city with rich historical and cultural significance to both Jews and Muslims. This statement highlights the enduring Palestinian aspirations for statehood, recognized international borders, and self-rule.
"The Israeli occupation is the main cause of instability and terrorism in the region."
Mahmoud Abbas' statement suggests that the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is a significant factor contributing to regional instability and the rise of extremist groups or terrorism across the Middle East. The implication is that resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict, which includes ending the Israeli occupation, could lead to reduced tensions and potentially lessen violent extremism in the region.
The core issue here is that the Israeli government refuses to commit to terms of reference for the negotiations that are based on international law and United Nations resolutions, and that it frantically continues to intensify building of settlements on the territory of the State of Palestine.
- Mahmoud Abbas
Our efforts are not aimed at isolating Israel or de-legitimizing it; rather we want to gain legitimacy for the cause of the people of Palestine. We only aim to de-legitimize the settlement activities and the occupation and apartheid and the logic of ruthless force, and we believe that all the countries of the world stand with us in this regard.
- Mahmoud Abbas
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