Palestinian Leader Opens Door to US Cooperation on Two-State Peace Plan

Palestinian Leader Says Ready to Work with US for Two-State Peace Plan In a significant development, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his willingness to collaborate with world leaders, including the United States, to implement a two-state peace plan announced by France on Monday. Speaking via video link at the UN General Assembly, Abbas emphasized the importance of achieving a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "We are ready to work with all parties, including the US, to achieve a just and lasting peace," Abbas said, according to Reuters. "We believe that a two-state solution is the only way forward for both Israelis and Palestinians." Abbas's statement comes as France unveiled its proposed peace plan, which aims to establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. The plan has been met with skepticism by some Israeli officials, who have expressed concerns about the potential for Palestinian statehood. In his address, Abbas also reiterated his rejection of a future governing role for Hamas in Gaza and demanded that the group disarm. He called on countries that have not yet recognized a Palestinian state to do so and urged the UN to grant Palestine full membership. Abbas's comments were made in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of civilians. The conflict began after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed over 1,200 people and took hundreds hostage. The Israeli military offensive in Gaza has been widely criticized for its disproportionate use of force, with estimates suggesting that at least 65,502 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the conflict. Abbas denounced the Israeli actions as "one of the most horrific humanitarian tragedies of the 20th and 21st centuries." Background: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for decades, with both sides claiming a right to self-determination in the region. The two-state solution, which aims to establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, has been a cornerstone of international efforts to resolve the conflict. Implications: Abbas's statement marks a significant shift in the Palestinian position on the peace plan, which could potentially pave the way for renewed negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. However, the path forward remains uncertain, with many challenges and obstacles still to be addressed. Next Developments: The French peace plan is set to be discussed at the UN General Assembly, where world leaders will gather to address the ongoing conflict. Abbas's statement has sparked hope among some diplomats that a breakthrough may be possible in the coming weeks or months. *Reporting by Bbc.*