(VOVworld) – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced his support for peaceful struggle against Israel’s occupation.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. (Photo: albawaba.com)

Abbas made the announcement in his speech on Wednesday, the first since the outbreak of clashes between Palestinians and Israelis over the past two weeks killing 30 people on both sides.

Abbas emphasized the rights of the Palestinians to protect themselves and pursue their national struggle.

He accused Israel of escalating the violence, adding that its policies are threatening the peace process and regional stability.

According to President Abbas, peace and security will no longer be reached if Israel doesn’t stop its occupation and a true Palestinian state is established pursuant to the border lines set in 1967.