The Palestinian Authority presidency expressed "full solidarity with the Syrian people," and emphasized the "need to respect the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria." This comes against the backdrop of the rebel attack in Idlib, Aleppo and Hama. In its announcement, the presidency emphasized "maintaining Syria's security and stability, and respecting its independence and sovereignty over its lands." Abbas gave the PA's official position, which supports "the unity and independence of the Arab countries, and the maintenance of their sovereignty and the security of their citizens, in a way that supports the united Arab position that supports the Palestinian people."