RAMALLAH, President Mahmoud Abbas extended his condolences to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over the death of South Africa’s retired Archbishop and anti-apartheid icon, Desmond Tutu.

President Abbas said in a telegram sent today: “On my behalf and on behalf of the Palestinian leadership and people of Palestine, we extend our most heartfelt condolences on the passing of Desmond Tutu.”

President Abbas praised the Gandhi Peace Award and Nobel Peace Prize laureate whom he stressed was a hero for serving humanity and its causes, a fighter against apartheid, a global human rights activist, and defender of the oppressed and persecuted.

President Abbas affirmed preserving faithful gratitude for his positions in support of the Palestinian people’s struggle against occupation and its apartheid policies. Tutu also headed the United Nations Human Rights Council fact-finding mission into Israeli military operations in Gaza in 2006.

President Abba also sent a telegram offering condolences to Tutu’s wife, Nomalizo Leah Tutu, and his family.

Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency