RAMALLAH, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday reaffirmed the need to advance to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
During a phone call with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Abbas reiterated the Palestinian position, which include a full cessation of hostilities, complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the State of Palestine assuming administrative and security responsibilities in the enclave, and the start of the second phase of the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to the Palestinian official news agency WAFA.
He said work is underway with Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and other mediators and partners to end the war and implement the two-state solution in line with international law, paving the way for comprehensive regional peace.
Abbas also briefed Tokayev on the difficult situation facing Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, urging the international community to press Israel to halt its "unilateral measures, stop settler violence, and release the withheld Palestinian funds."
For his part, Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's support for the Palestinian people's right to freedom and independence, as guaranteed under international law and UN resolutions. He also underscored Kazakhstan's commitment to strengthening its ties with Palestine.
Despite the ceasefire that took effect in October, Israel has continued to carry out strikes in Gaza, killing hundreds of people, according to Gaza's health authorities.
On Monday, the Israeli military said it struck a Hamas militant in Gaza who was allegedly planning an attack on troops, while local media reported that the strike hit a residential building in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. ■
