Palestinian president warns of dangerous situation in West Bank, demands completion of Gaza ceasefire deal

RAMALLAH, March 23 (Xinhua) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday warned of the dangerous situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and called for the conclusion of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Israeli authorities’ plans to implement the “Greater Israel” project pose a threat to the entire region and the world, undermine the entire political process, and violate UN resolutions and international law, Abbas said in a phone call with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Calling for an international stance to compel Israel to abandon its destructive policies, Abbas stressed the need for a comprehensive international conference to achieve peace, stability, and security in the region, including ending the occupation and enabling the Palestinian people to achieve their freedom and independence.

Abbas welcomed the Gaza peace plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803 to halt the war and alleviate the Palestinians’ suffering, adding, “We also welcomed Indonesia’s participation in promoting stability and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.”

Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine, he said, urging halting Israeli violations targeting civilians in Gaza.

For his part, Subianto affirmed Indonesia’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their just cause, and voiced its willingness to continue coordination with Palestine regarding Gaza’s reconstruction.

Gaza’s health authorities said Monday that the death toll since Oct. 7, 2023, has risen to 72,263, with 171,944 wounded. The authorities added that the death toll since a ceasefire came into effect in October 2025 has reached 687, with 1,845 injuries.