In a passionate address, Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority (PA), expressed severe criticism of Hamas, urging the militant group to release hostages and hand over Gaza. His remarks come amid escalating violence and humanitarian challenges, underscoring the long-standing rivalry and complex political dynamics within Palestinian leadership.
Abbas Condemns Hamas and Urges Release of Hostages Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

Abbas Condemns Hamas and Urges Release of Hostages Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
The Palestinian Authority President decries Hamas in strong language during a key meeting, calling for disarmament and control transfer to end hostilities.
Abbas's speech during a Palestinian Central Council meeting in Ramallah marked a significant turning point in his rhetoric against Hamas, which he referred to as "sons of dogs." He accused the group of providing Israel with "excuses" to continue warfare in Gaza and called for the immediate release of hostages as a step towards ending the conflict.
He emphasized that Hamas must disarm and return control of Gaza to the PA, advocating for the group to transition into a political entity. Abbas's comments, perceived as a desperate attempt to strengthen his position amidst deepening divisions with Hamas, were met with backlash. A spokesperson for Hamas condemned his language, arguing it alienates many Palestinians.
The backdrop of Abbas's furious speech follows continued military clashes after Hamas dismissed an Israeli ceasefire proposal that included terms for disarmament in exchange for hostage release. The conflict has exacerbated tensions in Palestinian territories, where the PA has governed parts of the West Bank but struggles to offer any cohesive leadership in Gaza due to the long-standing rift with Hamas.
With ongoing hostilities, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, accompanied by a rising death toll. Recent strikes led to significant casualties, including an incident at a school sheltering displaced families. International calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access have increased, with foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany demanding an end to the blockade on Gaza, labeling the situation "intolerable."
Meanwhile, Israel maintains that the military campaign is a response to ongoing Hamas aggression, claiming compliance with international standards. The Israeli foreign ministry reiterated that Hamas's actions prolong the war and exacerbate the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis.
As the conflict continues with no end in sight, Abbas’s public dissent against Hamas may reflect a broader yearning for unity and effective governance among the Palestinian leadership for a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The article reflects the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, showcasing different perspectives from both the PA and Hamas, as well as the humanitarian impacts felt in the region.
He emphasized that Hamas must disarm and return control of Gaza to the PA, advocating for the group to transition into a political entity. Abbas's comments, perceived as a desperate attempt to strengthen his position amidst deepening divisions with Hamas, were met with backlash. A spokesperson for Hamas condemned his language, arguing it alienates many Palestinians.
The backdrop of Abbas's furious speech follows continued military clashes after Hamas dismissed an Israeli ceasefire proposal that included terms for disarmament in exchange for hostage release. The conflict has exacerbated tensions in Palestinian territories, where the PA has governed parts of the West Bank but struggles to offer any cohesive leadership in Gaza due to the long-standing rift with Hamas.
With ongoing hostilities, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, accompanied by a rising death toll. Recent strikes led to significant casualties, including an incident at a school sheltering displaced families. International calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access have increased, with foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany demanding an end to the blockade on Gaza, labeling the situation "intolerable."
Meanwhile, Israel maintains that the military campaign is a response to ongoing Hamas aggression, claiming compliance with international standards. The Israeli foreign ministry reiterated that Hamas's actions prolong the war and exacerbate the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis.
As the conflict continues with no end in sight, Abbas’s public dissent against Hamas may reflect a broader yearning for unity and effective governance among the Palestinian leadership for a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The article reflects the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, showcasing different perspectives from both the PA and Hamas, as well as the humanitarian impacts felt in the region.