Israel Denies Palestinian President's Visit to Gaza

The advisor to the President of Palestine, Minister of International Relations and his special envoy, Riyad al-Maliki, stated that they did not seek permission but announced that Mahmoud Abbas is going to Gaza. This was immediately followed by an Israeli response, indicating that they would not allow such an action.

Riyad al-Maliki emphasized that this only signifies that Gaza is under Israeli military occupation. The Palestinian authorities, in turn, refuse to accept such a situation. Mahmoud Abbas had announced his intention on August 15. Other members of the Palestinian national administration were also set to accompany him to Gaza. Abbas called on other world leaders and the UN Secretary-General to join the visit.