Ramallah  - Only 24 hours after US President Barack Obama had called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to stress his commitment for the peace process, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also reaffirmed her commitment for a peaceful settlement to the Middle East conflict in a telephone call she made to Abbas on Thursday, according to a statement issued by Abbas' office.

It said Clinton telephoned Abbas to reassure him of the new US administration's support for him and of its commitment to the peace process. Clinton also said she was looking forward to working with Abbas to bring peace to the Middle East.

Abbas, for his part, congratulated Clinton on her appointment and reaffirmed his commitment to work with the US administration in the peace process.

He also urged Clinton to speed up dispatch of humanitarian aide to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who suffered from 23 days of Israeli military assault.

President Abbas also cabled Obama Thursday congratulating him on assuming the presidency. He expressed hope that Obama will work hard to put an end to violence in the Middle East and bring lasting and durable peace. (dpa)