5,800 Palestinians killed in Gaza, President Abbas calls for complete ceasefire

Amid the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict, as Israel intensifies airstrikes in preparation for a ground invasion, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has called for a "complete ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip.

He also called for the opening of permanent corridors for the delivery of humanitarian aid to people in the coastal areas. Abbas made the remarks on Tuesday, 24 October, during his meeting with visiting French president Emmanuel Macron at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a WAFA news agency report.

Abbas condemned the killing of civilians on both sides and called for the release of civilians, prisoners and detainees on both sides.

Abbas also rejected the displacement of Palestinians from their homes and lands, whether they are in Gaza, the West Bank or Jerusalem.

Macron in his turn stressed the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza, saying that he seeks to free hostages held by Hamas, including nine French nationals.

Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating Israeli territory, where they seized a large number of hostages. 

The group previously stated that there were 200–250 captives held in Gaza.

In response, Israel launched massive airstrikes and punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave with supplies of water, electricity, fuel and other necessities being cut off.

The ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict has so far killed nearly 5,800 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and more than 1,400 people in Israel.