Meeting Abbas, Sullivan expresses condolences for Palestinian civilians killed in Gaza

The White House issues its readout on the meeting US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan held earlier today with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.

“Sullivan expressed his deepest sympathy for Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives in Gaza since October 7th,” the readout begins.

Over 19,000 have been killed in Gaza since October 7, according to a Hamas-run Gaza health ministry figure, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The number, which cannot be verified, includes Gazans killed by terror groups’ rocket misfires. Israel says it has killed 7,000 Hamas operatives in Gaza.

“He discussed US efforts to increase the flow of life-saving humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza and stressed the importance of enhancing the protection of civilians.”

“President Abbas and Mr. Sullivan discussed efforts to promote stability in the West Bank, including ongoing actions against terrorism and incitement, as well as recent measures to counter extremist settler violence against Palestinians,” the readout says, referring to visa bans announced recently by the US.

“Mr. Sullivan reemphasized President Biden’s longstanding vision for a more peaceful, integrated, and prosperous Middle East region, and ultimately a path to a two-state solution that provides for equal measures of justice, freedom and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” the readout adds, repeating a talking point that has been used more aggressively by the US since the outbreak of the war.