Palestinian President Abbas Commits to Gaza Peace Plan, Rejects Hamas Role

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has pledged to work with the United States, Saudi Arabia, France, and the United Nations to implement a UN-backed peace plan for Gaza. His commitment comes at a time when the region remains embroiled in violence, following the 2023 conflict between Israel and Hamas militants. Abbas delivered his remarks via video to the United Nations General Assembly after the U.S. denied him a visa to attend in person.

The UN General Assembly recently endorsed a seven-page declaration aimed at advancing a two-state solution and ending the ongoing Gaza war. This declaration emerged from an international conference in July hosted by Saudi Arabia and France. The United States and Israel boycotted that event, rejecting its efforts. Abbas said that despite the suffering of Palestinians, the violent acts carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, targeting Israeli civilians, do not represent the Palestinian people or their legitimate struggle for independence.

Abbas made it clear that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is ready to take full responsibility for governance and security in Gaza. He emphasized that Hamas will have no role in governing the region and must hand over its weapons to the PA. “We reiterate that we do not want an armed state,” Abbas said. He affirmed his readiness to collaborate with President Trump, Saudi Arabia, France, the United Nations, and other partners to implement the peace plan supported by the UN.

The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Hamas, which rejected Abbas’ declaration. Hamas stated that Abbas’ claim that the group will not participate in governance infringes upon the Palestinian people's right to decide their own future. The group also refused to hand over its weapons, citing continued occupation and oppression in Palestinian territories.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also criticized Abbas’ speech, calling it “nice words” to the West and accusing the Palestinian leader of failing to fight terrorism. Saar highlighted that Abbas offered to regain control of Gaza, which Hamas seized in 2007, labeling the gesture as insincere.

The conflict that began with the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel claimed 1,200 lives, mostly civilians, and led to the capture of around 251 hostages. Since then, over 65,000 people, primarily Palestinians, have died in Gaza according to local health authorities.

Abbas’ commitment to a UN-backed peace plan signals a push for international cooperation and a peaceful resolution, while rejecting violence and aiming for structured governance. The challenge now lies in bridging the divide between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, ensuring the safety of civilians, and gaining broader acceptance from regional and global stakeholders.

The road ahead is complex. Success depends on coordination between international partners, the Palestinian Authority, and Israel, as well as a clear commitment to ceasefire, governance, and reconstruction. Abbas’ stance emphasizes non-violence and diplomacy as the main tools to resolve the longstanding conflict and move towards a stable Gaza.