Abbas reiterates his vision for the future of the Gaza Strip: "Disarming the resistance."

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed his vision regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing during his meeting with Hisashi Matsumoto, Japan's Deputy Foreign Minister, the importance of his government assuming its responsibilities in the sector. Abbas stressed the necessity for the State of Palestine to take full civil and security responsibilities in Gaza.

Abbas clarified that all Palestinian factions must hand over their weapons to the Palestinian Authority, under the principle of one system, one law, and one legitimate weapon. He confirmed that he does not want an armed state, emphasizing the need for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the sector, the initiation of reconstruction, and the holding of general elections within one year.

Abbas welcomed the Japanese delegation and conveyed his greetings to Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He praised Japan's positions committed to peace and the two-state solution, the cessation of war in Gaza, the introduction of humanitarian aid, and the rejection of settlement expansion and settler violence, noting that these positions reflect Japan's belief in peace.

Abbas also commended the humanitarian aid provided by Japan to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, support for the UNRWA, and the assistance given to build the institutions of the State of Palestine and its economy. He reiterated the Palestinian position on the necessity of achieving an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

On another note, Abbas addressed the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, pointing out that the Israeli occupation has closed all crossings leading to Gaza since March 2, preventing any humanitarian aid from entering, resulting in a state of famine in the sector.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that hospitals in the sector recorded 4 deaths in the past 24 hours due to famine and malnutrition, bringing the total number of deaths to 239, including 106 children. This situation requires urgent intervention to save the lives of Palestinian civilians.