After announcing his intention to visit Gaza, preparations are currently underway for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other officials to make the trip to the war-ravaged Strip.

Read more: Abbas says he will visit Gaza, urges global leaders to follow suit

“The Palestinian leadership has initiated global efforts and contacts in preparation for President Mahmoud Abbas and Palestinian officials to travel to the Gaza Strip,” a statement by the Palestine News Agency (Wafa) said.

“The aim is for the President and the leadership to stand with our people who are enduring a genocidal war, affirming that the State of Palestine and the Palestine Liberation Organization are the legitimate authorities over all Palestinian territories, and working towards national unity.”

The statement added that the United Nations, permanent members of the Security Council, Arab and Islamic countries, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union, the African Union, and other significant global powers have been informed of the initiative and communication has been established to secure support and participation “where possible.”

“Israel” has also been informed of these efforts – the statement concluded.