Gambiaj.com – (NEW YORK, United States) – Gambian President Adama Barrow met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting, which took place against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighted The Gambia’s role as a voice for peace and justice within the international community, particularly in its capacity as chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
During the talks, President Abbas briefed Barrow on the escalating Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Abbas called for an immediate halt to hostilities, emphasizing the need for Israeli occupation forces to withdraw from Gaza and allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into the embattled territory.
He also reiterated the importance of international pressure, particularly through the OIC, to ensure Israel complies with international law and recent United Nations General Assembly resolutions demanding an end to the occupation.
President Abbas expressed gratitude for The Gambia’s unwavering support for these resolutions and its continued advocacy for Palestinian rights.
President Barrow, who has emerged as a significant voice in the Muslim world through his leadership of the OIC, reiterated his country’s commitment to a two-state solution. In his address to the General Assembly earlier this week, Barrow emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution based on international law, stressing that both Israel and Palestine must coexist peacefully within secure and recognized borders.
In his response to Abbas, Barrow called for an immediate ceasefire, stressing the need to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. He urged the international community to prioritize support for Gaza’s reconstruction once hostilities cease, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in the region.
Barrow’s leadership on the Palestinian issue has gained prominence within the OIC, particularly as the Gaza conflict continues to claim lives and disrupt livelihoods. In his role as OIC chair, he has consistently advocated for greater coordination among member states to push for diplomatic resolutions, peace-building initiatives, and robust humanitarian responses.
The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Palestine and The Gambia, recognizing the shared values of justice and peace that unite their countries.
As the crisis in Gaza intensifies, President Barrow’s diplomatic engagement signals The Gambia’s deepening involvement in efforts to mediate conflicts within the Muslim world, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful resolutions and adherence to international law.
