Palestine wants demilitarized Palestinian state, including Gaza: Abbas

RAMALLAH, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Friday that the Palestinian leadership wants a demilitarized Palestinian state, including the Gaza Strip.

His remarks came during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the presidential headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Abbas stressed that the priority now is an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the entry of humanitarian aid to stop "the war of starvation," and the release of hostages and prisoners.

He emphasized the need for the State of Palestine to assume its full responsibilities in the Gaza Strip with Arab and international support, and for a complete Israeli withdrawal.

He also called on Israel to halt settlement activity in the West Bank, halt annexation attempts, and halt "settler terrorism," as well as release withheld Palestinian funds.

Abbas affirmed his readiness to hold general elections, which will not include political forces and individuals who do not adhere to the program and commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization, international legitimacy, and the principle of one state, one law, and "one legitimate weapon."

For his part, the German minister, according to WAFA, emphasized the importance for the State of Palestine to assume administration of the Gaza Strip after the end of the war, as it is the only legitimate entity representing the Palestinians and it is essential for it to contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza.

He emphasized his country's readiness to provide the necessary support and contributions to the Palestinian Authority in its reconstruction efforts.

He called on Israel to release the Palestinian funds it is withholding, noting that these funds are a right of the Palestinians, and the continued withholding poses a threat to stability.■