Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has urged Hamas to disarm and transfer control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority, while also condemning the group’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Addressing a UN summit on the two-state solution via video link — after being denied a U.S. visa to attend in person — Abbas insisted that Hamas would have no role in governing Gaza under any future Palestinian administration.
“Hamas will have no role in governing Gaza. Hamas and other factions must surrender their weapons to the Palestinian Authority,” he declared.
He further added: “We also condemn the killing and detention of civilians, including Hamas actions on October 7, 2023.”
His statement comes amid mounting international calls for a unified Palestinian leadership capable of pursuing peace, as the Gaza conflict continues to fuel instability in the region.
