President Abbas stresses right of Palestinians to defend themselves

By Mahmoud Barakat

ANKARA (AA) – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday stressed the right of his people to defend themselves, according to Palestine’s official news agency WAFA.

During an urgent meeting with top civil and security officials, the Palestinian president ordered necessary protection for people, stressing the right of the Palestinian people to “defend themselves against the terrorism of settlers and the occupation forces.”

At least 20 Israelis were killed and over 540 others injured since Friday morning in rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, according to media reports.

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported at least four Palestinians were killed and five others injured in clashes between the Israeli army and Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip border area.