Abbas's Appreciation for China's Opposition to Gaza Displacement and Support for a Two-State Solution

President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority has publicly expressed his appreciation to Chinese President Xi Jinping for China's unwavering support of Palestinian sovereignty and its rejection of controversial plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, despite the increasing geopolitical tensions.

The increasing international divide on the Palestinian issue is underscored by this gesture of solidarity from China, as a variety of world powers adopt contrasting stances on how to address the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.

In a letter to Xi on February 13, 2025, Abbas commended China's principled posture in opposing US President Donald Trump's proposal to displace the Palestinian population of Gaza. Trump has proposed that the United States assume control of Gaza and forcibly relocate its residents to neighboring countries such as Jordan and Egypt since early February.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and numerous settler organizations ardently supported this plan, which has been met with resounding condemnation from around the world. Nevertheless, Arab nations, certain European countries, and human rights organizations have vigorously criticized it, asserting that it is a form of ethnic cleansing that is designed to eradicate the Palestinian presence from their homeland.

Abbas emphasized in his letter that China's rejection of such proposals is consistent with the Palestinian Authority's overarching peace vision, which encompasses the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and geographical integration. A beacon of hope is provided to Palestinians by China's consistent advocacy for a two-state solution, who, despite decades of occupation and displacement, persist in their pursuit of self-determination.

Abbas also expressed his gratitude for Beijing's appeal to the international community to act promptly in order to put an end to the violence in Gaza and the West Bank, while simultaneously guaranteeing that reconstruction efforts are conducted without requiring residents to vacate their homes.

Efforts to relocate Palestinians have been consistently denounced by the Palestinian Authority, which has long been subjected to pressure from external forces that aim to reshape the future of Gaza and Western Bank. Many perceived the United States' proposal to relocate Palestinians as an endeavor to permanently displace millions of individuals and alter the demographic composition of the region. The proposal has been condemned by the Palestinian leadership and regional actors as a violation of international law and an insult to the dignity of the Palestinian people.

China's stance is in stark contrast to that of the United States, and its endorsement of the two-state solution emphasizes its dedication to a peaceful, negotiated resolution. The Chinese government has been vocal about the necessity of an international consensus to resolve the Palestinian issue, imploring the world to acknowledge the Palestinians' right to establish an independent state.

Xi's advocacy for Abbas and the Palestinian cause is in accordance with China's overarching diplomatic strategy, which emphasizes the preservation of national sovereignty and multilateralism.

The Palestinian Authority's ongoing endeavors to unite the international community in advocating for a just and enduring peace are reaffirmed in Abbas's message to Xi, which is not merely an expression of gratitude. According to Abbas, the objective is to "coexist in security, peace, and stability with all the peoples of the region.". Nevertheless, this vision remains elusive as long as the Israeli occupation persists and the international community remains divided on the most effective course of action.

The global response to Gaza continues to be fragmented. Although certain governments, such as the United States and Israel, have implemented controversial initiatives to transform the region, others, including China, persist in advocating for resolutions that respect international law and the Palestinian people's rights.

The Palestinians persist in their pursuit of allies who comprehend that their struggle is not solely for land, but also for the dignity, security, and harmony that each human being is entitled to, despite the increasing burden of challenges. The ongoing diplomatic struggle for justice in the Middle East is significantly influenced by China's vocal support for this vision and its rejection of displacement plans.