Cairo: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Egypt on Sunday, responding to an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, to participate in the opening session of the 12th World Urban Forum, as reported by the Palestinian News Agency.

According to State Information Service Egypt, President Abbas is accompanied by a delegation that includes Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization; Major General Majed Faraj, Head of the General Intelligence Service; Mahmoud al-Habbash, Chief Justice of Palestine and Advisor to the President for Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations; Majdi al-Khalidi, Advisor to the President for Diplomatic Affairs; and Diab al-Louh, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Egypt.

The 12th edition of the World Urban Forum, hosted in Cairo, will feature events and sessions dedicated to promoting urban development, with a specific focus on persons with disabilities. Participants will engage in discussions and roundt
ables addressing urbanization challenges and exploring local strategies to ensure a better quality of life for everyone, including people with disabilities.

Abbas’ visit coincides with a significant meeting in Cairo between the Palestinian factions of Fatah and Hamas over post-war governance of the Gaza Strip. An official security source highlighted a newfound flexibility and positivity from both factions towards establishing a community support committee to manage Gaza. This committee is expected to be affiliated with the Palestinian Authority and comprise independent figures.

The committee is anticipated to be formalized through a presidential decree by President Mahmoud Abbas. An informed Egyptian source indicated that both Fatah and Hamas are optimistic about Egyptian efforts to form the committee, despite ongoing challenges facing the Palestinian cause.