Mahmoud Abbas Plans Risky Gaza Visit

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced his intention to visit Gaza, despite the personal risk involved, during an address to the Turkish parliament. Abbas emphasized that the Palestinian people will not accept a divided Gaza and West Bank and stressed the importance of Gaza in the formation of a Palestinian state. His visit to Turkey follows discussions with President Erdogan and a prior meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Abbas condemned the ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza, where health officials report over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, and called for Muslim leaders to join him. Abbas's statements were met with applause from Turkish lawmakers, reflecting Turkey's support for the Palestinian cause.