Abbas calls for resumption of negotiations to end Gaza offensive

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Saturday for resumption of indirect talks with Israel to stop the bloodshed in Gaza Strip.
"The aim of my current visit to Cairo is to resume in Egypt negotiations for de-escalation at the earliest possible time to prevent further bloodshed and destruction" Abbas said in a press conference after talks with Egyptian President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi.
"I have reached an understanding with President Al-Sisi on this." The Palestinian President said that the focus should be on putting an immediate end to the bloodshed in Gaza.
"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.
He noted that he has discussed with the Egyptian President the importance of and the framework of a final solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Abbas stated that he will meet representatives of several Arab states along with Arab League Secretary General Nabil Al-Araby 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 said.
He also lauded Egyptian efforts, adding that Cairo will be the sole mediator. He pointed out that Egypt will invite the Palestinian delegation team to Cairo soon to resume ceasefire talks with the Israeli delegation.