Palestinian leader opens door for Hamas as political party amid reforms

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has indicated that the Islamist movement Hamas could transform into a legitimate political party, provided it fulfills a set of essential conditions.

Abbas emphasized that Hamas retains the opportunity to enter the political mainstream if it aligns itself with the foundational principles of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“Hamas still has the opportunity to become a political party if [the movement] accepts the principles of the Palestine Liberation Organization, which recognizes Israel, respects its international obligations, and supports the two-state solution,” Abbas stated.

Addressing the prospects for future elections, Abbas revealed that both parliamentary and presidential polls could be conducted within a year following the cessation of hostilities. He also disclosed plans to announce developments related to the drafting of a temporary constitution in the coming months.

“We are working on two legislative measures — on elections and political parties,” he explained, signaling ongoing efforts to reform the Palestinian political framework.

By Vafa Guliyeva