An Israeli official said on Tuesday that the government in Tel Aviv will not allow Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to visit the Gaza Strip.

This came in a statement to the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

Mahmoud Al-Habbash, advisor to President Mahmoud Abbas, said in an interview with the newspaper that President Abbas intends to visit his people in Gaza, and this is a necessary step to restore authority to the Gaza Strip.

He added: We have the right to be present in every meter of the Palestinian territories. The president is very interested in visiting Gaza at any cost. He is not looking for popularity, but rather looking to be with his people.

He continued: We are aware of the dangers of such a visit, but Abu Mazen insists on visiting so that we can stand up close and see the suffering and hardship of the people of Gaza at this time of war.

The Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization is scheduled to meet this evening, headed by President Mahmoud Abbas. The most important issue to be discussed on the agenda is the outcome of the contacts with foreign ministers of countries to pressure the occupation to allow the president to visit the Gaza Strip.