On the evening of September 1 local time, Saudi Arabia's Arab TV released its recent interview with Palestinian President Abbas. Abbas said in the interview that Israel is implementing a policy of total destruction of Palestine and stressed that the Palestinian National Authority is ready to take over the governance of Gaza.
In the interview, Mr. Abbas noted that "at least 200,000 people have been killed or wounded" in Gaza and warned: "Gaza is experiencing a real famine, with more people dying from hunger than from war." Mr. Abbas criticized the international community for continuing to condemn Israel and failing to implement any UN resolutions on Palestine.
Abbas said that the Palestinian National Authority has recognized Israel since 1988, but Israel still prevents Palestine from establishing a state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not want to establish a full Palestinian state and remains determined to continue to implement a policy of extermination against the Palestinian people in order to continue to serve as prime minister and avoid prosecution within Israel. He also said that more countries are considering recognizing the state of Palestine and that Palestine is planning to apply for full membership in the United Nations. At the same time, the Palestinian National Authority is actively engaged in diplomatic action to promote a ceasefire in Gaza and efforts to prevent the forced relocation of the Palestinian people. He emphasized that the Palestinian National Authority is capable and ready to take over the governance of Gaza and does not oppose the joint participation of Arab or international partners in governance.
Abbas reiterated that the Palestinians do not want war with Israel, but rather peaceful resistance. He called on Hamas to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization and its legal obligations, and must accept the unity of the state and the armed forces.