Mahmoud Abbas issued a forceful call for Hamas to abandon its weapons and end the ongoing conflict, in one of the most direct pleas yet from the Palestinian Authority for peace through demilitarization.
Abbas stressed the urgent necessity of ending violence that has claimed thousands of lives and deepened internal Palestinian divisions. Abbas noted: “To achieve peace for our people and secure a just future we require one legitimate authority, one law and one weapon. Hamas must hand over its arms for the good of our nation.”
This appeal comes against a backdrop of intensifying battles between Hamas and Israeli forces as well as mounting international pressure for all Palestinian factions to form a united front in future peace negotiations.
Abbas, who leads Fatah party and governs West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, has long denounced Hamas for maintaining an independent armed wing in Gaza. While he had called for reconciliation before, his recent remarks reflect increasing urgency to put an end to intra-Palestinian rivalries that have persisted since 2007 when Fatah split violently from Hamas faction.
Hamas leaders based in Gaza have not officially responded to the call to disarm, although early indications indicate they will likely view weapons as essential tools in resisting Israeli occupation. Analysts agree that any move by Israeli or Palestinian authorities to disarm Hamas would require strong international guarantees and a comprehensive solution for addressing Israel-Palestine relations.
Reactions to Abbas’s statement have been mixed. Some regional leaders welcomed it as an essential step toward Palestinian unity and long-term peace, while members of Hamas and allied factions accused Abbas of undermining resistance by aligning too closely with Western and Israeli expectations.
Meanwhile, international organizations have continued to urge both sides to de-escalate, calling for the protection of civilians and respect of humanitarian law. Both the UN and several European governments have offered mediation for renewed negotiations between Palestinian factions.
As Gaza’s humanitarian situation deteriorates and regional tensions heighten, Abbas’ call may prove pivotal or deepen the political cleavage depending on Hamas’ next move.