Abbas discusses Palestinian cause with UN chief Guterres

RAMALLAH, Palestine

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the Palestine cause and Israeli escalation in occupied territories.

During the meeting held on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly session in New York, the Palestinian leader "reiterated the need for the UN to fulfill its duties toward the Palestinian people by providing international protection and implementing international legitimacy resolutions," according to the official Wafa news agency.

Abbas stressed "the need to have Israel honor all agreements signed with the Palestine Liberation Organization and to stop unilateral measures."

Guterres, for his part, voiced hope that "the Palestinian issue will be resolved and the Palestinian people achieve their full legitimate rights," before he ends his second term in 2026.

Wafa also quoted the secretary-general as saying that he intends to visit Palestine in October.

According to a UN statement, the two discussed "developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and support to the Palestinian people," including through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, or UNRWA.

They reaffirmed their shared commitment towards ending the occupation and achieving a viable two-state solution.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar