The extent of destruction in Gaza was revealed following the end of Israel's bombardment and war machine against our people in the Gaza Strip that lasted for 11 days. In Gaza, there are more than 248 martyrs, including 70 children and 40 women. In the West Bank, there are 18 martyrs. More than 9,000 people were wounded. Following this Israeli aggression, we have destroyed buildings, roads, water, and electricity networks. However, Israel's attacks continue against Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem, in Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound and Sheikh Jarrah. Our people in this neighborhood are still facing the threat of forcible transfer through Israel's illegal policy of home evictions and displacement. Yesterday, we witnessed settler attacks against our people in Wadi Qana, during which seven civilians were injured. Gaza is still under an unjust siege and ongoing aggression imposed by the occupying power for years.

In light of recent events, the Palestinian question has again become a top priority on the global agenda, whether in international institutions such as the United Nations and the European Union or among world leaders and in the streets and cities worldwide. Everybody condemned Israeli racism, aggression,  crimes,  occupation, ethnic cleansing, and the violation of Islamic and Christian sanctities.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all Arab and international people and leaders who condemned the aggression and stood in solidarity with us. H.E. President Mahmoud Abbas is closely following up on political developments. He has been in constant contact with official international figures.

Tomorrow, President Abbas will meet with the U.S. Secretary of State on his first visit to the region. We are working with him to alleviate the suffering of our people. We do not want a repetition of this aggression, and hence, the occupation must come to an end. Therefore, this political vacuum and Israel's de facto policies and practices cannot continue. Accordingly,  an international political initiative must be initiated to end the occupation based on international law and international legitimacy. We do not want peace diplomacy. Instead, we want a serious and genuine political path that ends the occupation leading to the independence of the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital and the right of Palestine refugees to return.

The Gaza Strip needs immediate relief, a reconstruction program, and a development program to create job opportunities, turn the economic wheel, and enhance the ability of the private sector to recover.

Egypt, Qatar, all Arab countries, the European Union, the United States, and the United Nations are our partners in the Gaza reconstruction process. Israel must lift its siege on Gaza to proceed smoothly and without any delays, once the necessary funds are available. The previous reconstruction mechanism should be ended as measures imposed by Israel hindered it.

The reconstruction process needs close coordination between us, the international community, the donors, and our affected people and national institutions in the Gaza Strip. I realize that the reconstruction process is long and hard, and we must cooperate to accomplish it.

The reconstruction process needs a political horizon so the devastation won't recur: Israel must lift the siege on Gaza and Jerusalem and end its occupation.

The spirit of patriotism and unity, which started from occupied Jerusalem, in Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound and the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, and later from Gaza, must continue. The Israeli occupation continues to strike this spirit by weakening its immunity, stirring up strife, and harming the national and religious symbols after its inability to break the resolve of our people to accept its plans.  The first, second, and last lesson is our national unity. I ask social media users to keep the compass of our struggle towards Jerusalem and not to overpower our differences in views over our struggle with the occupation for liberation.

Jerusalem is ours, and it proves every day that it is the key to peace and war. Arab, Muslim, and Christian hearts are directed towards it, for it is the first Qibla and the place where the Prophet Mohammad ascended to heaven, and where Prophet Christ confronted the tyrants. For the sake of Jerusalem, we will preserve our Palestinian national unity.