Fatah Congress Re-elects Mahmoud Abbas As Movement Leader

RAMALLAH, May 15 (Bernama-Wafa) -- Members of the Eighth General Conference of the Fatah Movement unanimously re-elected President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday as the leader of the movement, Palestine News & Info Agency (WAFA) reported.

Delegates voted unanimously to re-elect the President as the head and general commander of Fatah, expressing confidence in his leadership during a critical stage in Palestinian history.

Abbas, the elected President of the State of Palestine and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), is also regarded as one of the founding members of Fatah alongside its early pioneers.

Additionally, he has led the Palestinian National Authority through some of its most difficult circumstances and continues to bear the responsibilities of leadership.

Meanwhile, in his speech at the opening session of the conference, held at the Ahmed Shuqairi Hall at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah on Thursday, Abbas noted that the conference, held on Palestinian soil with participation from Gaza, Cairo and Beirut via video links, reaffirms the commitment to continue the democratic path within the movement and to empower youth and women to assume leadership roles.

He stressed that Fatah has always been the backbone of the Palestinian national project, the bearer of the banner of independent national decision-making, and the guardian of Palestinian identity and struggle.

Abbas added that renewing the movement through new leadership would strengthen the broader national movement and enhance its achievements.

The President said the conference is taking place at a critical moment in Palestinian history, amid grave existential threats, the consequences of the war in Gaza, and ongoing violations of international law in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, alongside rapidly evolving regional challenges.

He stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza requires enabling the State of Palestine to carry out its responsibilities through its sovereign and service institutions, in cooperation with the executive bodies of the Peace Council and the Palestinian Administrative Committee during this transitional period, without duplication or separation, while ensuring the integration of institutions in both parts of the homeland.

Abbas also condemned the systematic terrorism and widespread settlement expansion in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, calling it a grave violation of international law.

He called for international accountability measures against the Israeli government, immediate deterrent action and international protection for the Palestinian people.

He urged the international community to act urgently to protect East Jerusalem, uphold international law and its historical and legal status, and respect the Hashemite custodianship of holy sites.

Abbas reaffirmed full commitment to implementing reforms pledged by the State of Palestine, including governance, transparency, democratic processes and institutional development, in line with international partnerships and UN resolutions.

The President also stressed commitment to democratic principles, political pluralism, peaceful transfer of power, and the inclusion of all sectors of Palestinian society under the rule of law.

He confirmed that Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine and that any transitional arrangements must be temporary and must not affect national unity or political and legal sovereignty.

Abbas added that national unity remains the solid foundation for confronting challenges and ending division, based on principles agreed upon by all.

This include recognising the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, adhering to its political programme and international obligations, upholding the principle of one system, one law and one legitimate armed force, and committing to peaceful popular resistance.

-- BERNAMA-WAFA