Palestinian authority to implement general amnesty to mend political divisions

The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) is moving forward with the implementation of a general amnesty aimed at unifying all political factions across the Palestinian territories. 

The announcement was made by President Mahmoud Abbas during his address at the opening session of the 34th Arab League Summit, held in Baghdad on May 17.

As reported by Al-Ekhbariya, Abbas emphasised that the amnesty is part of a broader process of institutional reform within the Palestinian leadership. 

“We reaffirm that we are continuing the process of reforming state institutions and organisations,” Abbas stated. “To this end, we have undertaken constitutional measures to establish the position of Vice President and proceed with its appointment, and we are implementing the decision on a general amnesty to unify national ranks.”

Abbas underlined that the overarching goal is the restoration of national unity through the reintegration of all political movements into a cohesive political framework. He reiterated that this process is grounded in the recognition of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the “sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.”

The Palestinian leader also addressed the issue of long-delayed national elections, affirming the administration’s readiness to hold presidential and parliamentary elections within the next year. However, he noted that the necessary conditions must first be established in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Jerusalem before such elections can take place.

The League of Arab States was founded on March 22, 1945, and currently comprises 22 member countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

By Tamilla Hasanova