Palestinian Authority notifies Israel of Abbas’s decision to visit Gaza: source

RAMALLAH, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) — The Palestinian Authority has informed Israel of President Mahmoud Abbas’s decision to visit the Gaza Strip with members of the Palestinian leadership, a Palestinian source said on Monday.
The source, who preferred anonymity, told Xinhua that Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary general of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, had sent a message to Israel and international parties regarding Abbas’s decision.
“President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine will visit the Gaza Strip with several Palestinian leadership members. The visit aims to assert Palestinian sovereignty over Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, observe the dire conditions, and call for an immediate end to the war and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza,” the message wrote.
The source added that the Palestinian side has also informed the U.S. administration of Abbas’s visit and his accompanying delegation, requesting its support and participation if possible.
The Palestinian Authority will reach out to the UN Secretary-General, the European Union, and members of the UN Security Council to inform them of this step, said the source.
The source did not specify the exact time of the visit, noting that consultations with various parties regarding its implementation, including entry into Gaza via the Rafah border crossing, are still ongoing.
Israel’s Walla news site reported that the Palestinian Authority had submitted an official request to Israel on Sunday to allow Abbas to visit Gaza soon, citing sources familiar with the matter.
On Thursday, Abbas announced his intention to visit the Gaza Strip and invited world leaders to join him and ensure his safe arrival. ■