Palestinian President Abbas Appreciates Pope Francis' Efforts To Create Peace

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appreciated Pope Francis' efforts to realize peace, especially in the Gaza Strip, when the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church called on Hamas and Israel to immediately accept the ceasefire proposal and release of hostages.

Speaking by phone call, the Palestinian leader also stressed the need for the Vatican to continue its efforts to immediately stop Israeli aggression against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in order to save civilians from the war disaster.

President Abbas emphasized the continuation of efforts with all parties to stop aggression, bring aid through all border crossings with Gaza, prevent evacuation, and ensure Israel's full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, in addition to stopping colonial activities and all crimes committed by occupational and colonial authorities against Palestinians.

"Efforts are also underway to defend the Palestinian people in Jerusalem, as well as preserve the identity and character of the City of Jerusalem as well as the historical and legal status of Christian and Islamic holy places there," President Abbas said.

On that occasion, President Abbas recalled the Pope's efforts and his 2014 call to pray for peace, as well as the Vatican's recognition of the Palestinian State in 2015.

Separately, Pope Francis called for Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Israel to immediately accept the ceasefire proposal and release of hostages, as well as for humanitarian aid to immediately reach Palestinians in Gaza.

"I encourage the international community to act immediately, at all costs, to help Gazans, who are exhausted by war," he said, quoted by The Times of Israel.

"Humanist aid must be allowed to reach those in need and no one can stop them," he stressed.

Pope Francis further supported the ceasefire's proposal, saying he hoped his terms would soon be accepted by both sides, although he acknowledged that negotiations were "not easy."

"I hope that the peace proposals in all lines that have been submitted and for the release of hostages will soon be accepted in the interests of Palestine and Israel," the Pope hoped.

Pope Francis also thanked Jordan, who this week will host an international humanitarian aid conference for Palestinians.

The Pope also recalled that Saturday marked the 10-year anniversary of the peace prayer he held in the Vatican park, which was attended by then-Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Leader Mahmoud Abbas.

"The meeting shows the shaking of hands is possible, and to create peace, you need courage, much more courage than fighting," he said.