By Sama Marwan,
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas recently held a series of high-level meetings with Arab leaders to discuss ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East, particularly the prospects for reviving negotiations with Israel.
The meetings, which took place in Cairo and Riyadh, were part of a broader diplomatic push by the Palestinian Authority to garner regional support amid stalled peace talks and increasing tensions in the region.
During his visit to Cairo, President Abbas met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss the current state of affairs in the Palestinian territories and the potential for a renewed peace process.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of a united Arab front in supporting the Palestinian cause and reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.
President el-Sisi also reaffirmed Egypt’s role as a mediator in the conflict, stressing the need for both parties to engage in dialogue and avoid unilateral actions that could escalate tensions.
In Riyadh, President Abbas met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to explore ways in which Saudi Arabia could contribute to the peace efforts.
The Crown Prince expressed his support for the Palestinian people and reiterated Saudi Arabia’s long-standing position in favor of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The discussions also touched on the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region, including the impact of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states.
President Abbas urged Arab leaders to prioritize the Palestinian issue in their diplomatic engagements and to resist pressure to normalize relations with Israel without significant concessions for the Palestinians.
These meetings come at a critical time for the Palestinian leadership, which has been grappling with internal divisions and growing frustration among the Palestinian population over the lack of progress in peace talks.
President Abbas has faced increasing pressure to deliver tangible results, both from within the Palestinian territories and from the international community.
The outcomes of these discussions with Arab leaders are expected to shape the Palestinian Authority’s strategy moving forward, as it seeks to navigate the complex and challenging landscape of Middle Eastern diplomacy.
