adminPalestine Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has reiterated his long-standing demand for Hamas to disarm and relinquish control of the Gaza Strip. In recent statements, Abbas emphasized that there can only be one legitimate authority and one set of arms within the Palestinian territories, insisting that Hamas must lay down its weapons.
Abbas also forcefully called for the immediate and unconditional release of all captives held by Hamas in Gaza. This demand comes amidst ongoing international efforts to secure the freedom of hostages taken during past conflicts. The issue of captives remains a significant obstacle to any potential long-term peace negotiations between Israel and Palestinian factions.
The Palestine president’s statements underscore the deep and persistent divisions between the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, and Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza. Abbas has consistently maintained that a unified Palestinian state requires a single, legitimate government with control over all security matters.
Hamas has so far rejected Abbas’s demands, asserting its right to maintain its armed wing for what it describes as resistance against Israeli occupation. The group has also linked the release of captives to its own demands, including the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Abbas’s renewed calls are likely aimed at garnering international support for his vision of a unified Palestinian state under the authority of the PA. He argues that Hamas’s continued armed presence and control of Gaza undermine efforts to achieve a lasting and comprehensive peace settlement.
The international community has largely echoed Abbas’s calls for Hamas to disarm and release the captives, viewing these steps as crucial for de-escalation and progress towards a two-state solution. However, the practical implementation of these demands remains a significant challenge given the entrenched positions of both the PA and Hamas.
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