Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke in a press conference on the situation in Gaza at Ittihadiya presidential palace in Heliopolis on Saturday. Abbas stated that Palestine's primary concern is putting an immediate stop to the bloodshed in Gaza. According to Palestinian health officials, at least 2,092 Palestinians have been killed since Israel's offensive on the Gaza Strip began on 8 July. "We must first stop the bloodshed and then address providing humanitarian aid to the strip." "We must also start Gaza's reconstruction immediately after the ceasefire takes place," Abbas stated. In addition to stopping the bloodshed, Abbas mentioned that he is meeting with several Arab states along with Arab league chief, Nabil El-Arabi to agree on what will be discussed in future negotiations with the United States. "After the ceasefire takes place, all parties can sit together for negotiations," Abbas stated. Abbas also praised Egyptian efforts at sponsoring talks, adding that it has been the sole mediator thus far. The president also stated that he reached an agreement with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on continued Egypt-sponsored talks to reach a permanent ceasefire and for a Palestinian delegation headed by senior Fatah leader Azzam Al-Ahmed to return to Cairo once more. Abbas added that Hamas does not mind Egypt's role in the talks, regardless of any political issues between Hamas and Egypt. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/109038.aspx
