Palestinian president urges disarmament of Hamas in letter to Macron

Amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and ongoing Israeli airstrikes, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has voiced his support for the disarmament of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority taking control of Gaza.

In a letter sent to French President Emmanuel Macron, Abbas made clear that Hamas should have no role in governing Gaza, Caliber.Az reports, citing Saudi media.

He also expressed support for the deployment of an Arab and international force to help maintain stability in the territory.

Abbas condemned the Hamas attack on Israeli settlements and military bases near Gaza on October 7, 2023, calling it “unacceptable.” He urged Hamas to immediately release all hostages taken during the assault.

The letter, also addressed to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of a conference on the two-state solution in New York later this month, said Abbas is “ready to invite Arab and international forces to deploy as part of a UN-authorised protection mission” in Gaza.

For months, Abbas has pushed for the Palestinian Authority to take over governance of Gaza, a stance he reiterated at the Arab Summit in May. His party, Fatah, has backed this position, especially after security worsened in Gaza and armed groups acted with increasing lawlessness.

At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority controlling Gaza after the conflict. He has said Israeli forces will maintain control over parts of the Strip following the war.

The situation in Gaza remains tense, with humanitarian concerns growing amid the ongoing conflict and political uncertainty over the territory’s future leadership.