RAMALLAH, west Bank (AP) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas affirmed that Hamas will not be involved in the governance of Gaza following the conclusion of the ongoing conflict with Israel, stating the Palestinian Authority is prepared to assume duty for the territory. Abbas addressed the international community, thanking nations that have recognized Palestinian statehood and urging further support for Palestinian rights.
Abbas’s remarks come as Israel’s military campaign in Gaza continues,triggered by the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of 251 hostages, 48 of whom remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed to be alive. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 167,000 wounded in Gaza since the start of the conflict, with women and children comprising roughly half of the fatalities. Over 90% of housing in Gaza has been destroyed, displacing more than 2 million people, and famine has been declared in northern gaza.
Abbas emphasized the need for international action to secure Palestinian rights, including an end to the occupation and freedom from what he described as Israeli political influence. He expressed hope that the recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by France, the U.K., and Canada woudl inspire other nations to follow suit, but stressed that recognition alone is insufficient.
“The time has come for the international community to do right by the Palestinian people, so that they may obtain thier rights for their legitimate rights to be rid of the occupation,” Abbas said. He concluded with a message of resilience to the Palestinian people, vowing they would not abandon their homeland.