Abbas Hopes New Israeli Government Will Enable Peace Talks

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed hope on Thursday that the period following the formation of a new Israeli government would present an opportunity to resume serious political dialogue aimed at achieving peace in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions. Speaking at a joint press conference with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia, Abbas reiterated that the Palestinian leadership has consistently extended its hand to the Israeli side for years to achieve peace and allow both peoples to live in security, stability, and peace. He emphasized that the goal extends beyond bilateral peace to establishing comprehensive regional peace, ensuring security and stability among Israel and all neighboring Arab and Islamic nations. Abbas expressed his aspiration for Cyprus to play a positive role in supporting peace efforts, noting its geographical location, regional relations, and pro-peace stance make it suitable for bridging viewpoints and encouraging dialogue for regional security and stability. He stressed Palestine's utmost importance in achieving regional security and stability, including peace between Palestinians and Israelis, and affirmed the Palestinian side's commitment to international legitimacy, including UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and principles of human rights and international law. Abbas added that the Palestinian leadership believes in and adheres to peaceful popular resistance as a method against Israeli measures, asserting the Palestinian people's pursuit of their legitimate rights through peaceful, legal, and diplomatic means sanctioned by international legitimacy. He also praised Cyprus's support for Palestinian rights and affirmed Palestine's keenness to strengthen bilateral relations and joint action for regional peace and stability. Abbas described Palestinian-Cypriot relations as historic and deep-rooted, predating Cyprus's recognition of Palestine in 1988, which he said reflected Cyprus's principled stance and sincere intentions towards the Palestinian cause. He acknowledged Palestine's appreciation for Cyprus's humanitarian and political support and stressed the importance of continued coordination and cooperation for the benefit of both peoples. Abbas indicated he would discuss the dire situation and severe suffering of the Palestinian people with President Christodoulides, in light of ongoing Israeli aggressions and violations in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. President Christodoulides affirmed Cyprus's commitment to supporting a solution to the Palestinian issue based on UN resolutions and emphasized enhancing bilateral relations for regional security and stability. He welcomed President Abbas, noting that Abbas's previous visits to Palestine in 2023 and 2025 reflected the long-standing historical relations. Christodoulides reiterated Cyprus's clear position on the Palestinian issue, based on UN resolutions, and highlighted the importance Cyprus places on its relations with Palestine in efforts to promote regional security and stability. He mentioned that a significant portion of Cyprus's humanitarian aid is allocated to Palestine and that Cyprus hosts training for Palestinians at its "Cyclops" center in Larnaca. Christodoulides stated that the Palestinian president's visit comes at a crucial time and expressed hope that the discussions would lead to joint activities serving mutual interests and creating conditions for security and stability. He stressed Cyprus's desire to be part of solutions, not crises, in the region, affirming his country's positive approach and readiness to play an active role in supporting Palestine and resolving existing issues.