Abbas Supports Disarming Hamas, Excluding It from Governing Gaza

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has publicly supported the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from postwar governance in Gaza, stating that any future Palestinian state must be demilitarized and unified under a single authority.

Abbas Calls for International Peace Force in Gaza

In a letter addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Abbas endorsed the deployment of Arab and international forces with a UN mandate to stabilize Gaza after the war. The message was issued ahead of a high-level United Nations conference on a two-state solution set for June 17–21 in New York.

Abbas emphasized that Hamas must surrender its weapons and withdraw from governance in Gaza if the Palestinian Authority is to take over. He reiterated the Palestinian Authority’s support for a political solution based on peaceful statehood.

Condemnation of October 7 Attacks and Hostage Demands

Abbas also condemned the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023, stating that “the killing and abduction of civilians is unacceptable.” He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza.

This marks one of the strongest public stances yet by Abbas against Hamas since the current war began.

Regional and Diplomatic Implications

The Palestinian Authority’s position may open pathways for greater Western and Arab support for a postwar Gaza reconstruction plan—especially among states pushing for Hamas’s marginalization. However, it also risks deepening internal Palestinian divisions, as Hamas continues to maintain significant popular support in parts of Gaza and the West Bank.