Ramallah, Oct 9 (NationPress) Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his gratitude on Thursday towards US President Donald Trump for announcing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, emphasizing his hope that this initiative would pave the way for a lasting political resolution.

In a statement disseminated by Palestine's Mission to the United Nations on X, Abbas commended Trump and all mediators involved in achieving the agreement. He conveyed Palestine's willingness to collaborate with pertinent mediators and global partners to guarantee its success, aiming for stability and a sustainable, equitable peace in line with international law.

The statement articulated, "President Mahmoud Abbas today applauded the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding an agreement to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip, the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, the facilitation of humanitarian aid entry, and a prisoner exchange. President Abbas expressed hope that these efforts would serve as a precursor to a permanent political solution, as articulated by President Trump, which would culminate in the cessation of the Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital."

Abbas underscored the necessity for all stakeholders to commit to the immediate execution of the agreement, which includes the release of all hostages and prisoners, the prompt entry of humanitarian aid through United Nations organizations, the prevention of displacement or annexation, and the initiation of reconstruction efforts.

Reaffirming that the sovereignty over the Gaza Strip belongs to Palestine, Abbas stated, "He reiterated that the sovereignty over the Gaza Strip rightfully belongs to the State of Palestine. The connection between the West Bank and Gaza Strip must be established through Palestinian laws and governmental institutions, via a unified Palestinian administrative committee and security forces, within a cohesive legal framework, supported by Arab and international allies."

This statement follows Trump's announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, declaring that Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas reached an agreement on the "first phase" of a strategy to cease hostilities in Gaza and facilitate hostage and prisoner releases.

During his announcement on Truth Social, Trump described it as a momentous day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, neighboring nations, and the United States, expressing gratitude towards mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.

"I am extremely proud to declare that both Israel and Hamas have officially endorsed the first phase of our peace initiative. This signifies that all hostages will soon be released and that Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line as initial steps toward a robust, enduring, and everlasting peace. All parties will be treated fairly! This is a significant day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all neighboring nations, and the United States of America, and we appreciate the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who collaborated with us to make this historic and unparalleled event a reality," Trump posted on Truth Social.