Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday told Turkey's parliament he had decided to visit Gaza and Jerusalem to protest Israel's war on the enclave, adding that he saw no end to the conflict unless Israel withdrew from Palestinian lands.
Abbas, who met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday to discuss the war and cease-fire efforts, addressed an extraordinary session of Turkey's parliament general assembly at the invitation of the Turkish government.
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Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
(Photo: AFP PHOTO / TURKISH PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE)
In a 46-minute speech attended by Erdogan, his ministers and lawmakers from all political parties, Abbas accused the United States of prolonging the "catastrophe" by supporting Israel and vetoing resolutions at the United Nations Security Council. He also called on the world to legally punish Israel for its war crimes and violations of international law.
"I have decided to head with the Palestinian Authority (PA)members to the Gaza Strip. I will exert every effort so we can all be with our people to stop this barbaric aggression even if it costs us our lives," Abbas said, adding that he would also go to Jerusalem. He did not specify when he would visit.
Abbas heads the PA, which exercises limited self-rule in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. He received a standing ovation before and after his speech, which was also interrupted repeatedly by applause.
Turkey's invitation to Abbas came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the U.S. Congress in July.
"On July 24, a war criminal gave a speech which was full of lies in the U.S. Congress. Here today, Mahmoud Abbas stated the truth and the Palestinian cause in every sentence," Turkish parliament speaker Numan Kurtulmus said, speaking after Abbas.
Turkey has denounced the war and halted all trade with Israel. It submitted a request to join South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide.
Erdogan, who has been a staunch supporter of Hamas, said Turkey had also planned to invite the political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran.