Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has stated his readiness to work with world leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, to implement a peace plan aimed at ending conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, as announced by France. Speaking via video at the UN General Assembly, Abbas reiterated his opposition to a governing role for Hamas in Gaza and stressed the necessity for the group to disarm.
Abbas also called on countries that have not yet recognized a Palestinian state to do so and urged the UN to grant full membership to Palestine. He condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza, labeling them as one of the most horrific humanitarian tragedies of recent times, but simultaneously distanced himself from Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages.
Having been barred from attending the UN Assembly in person due to visa restrictions, Abbas expressed gratitude to nations that have recognized Palestinian statehood recently, including Canada, Australia, and the UK. The French peace proposal, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia, outlines a plan for the simultaneous release of Hamas-held hostages and the cessation of Israeli military operations, eventually leading to a transitional governance of Gaza excluding Hamas.
Abbas emphasized his willingness to collaborate with various international partners on this peace initiative, although both the US and Israel have not supported the plan. He advocated for a Palestinian state to take full control over the Gaza Strip post-Israeli withdrawal and expressed intentions to conduct democratic elections within a year of conflict resolution. This commitment for a modern and democratic Palestinian state reflects Abbas's long-term vision for regional peace and governance.
Abbas also called on countries that have not yet recognized a Palestinian state to do so and urged the UN to grant full membership to Palestine. He condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza, labeling them as one of the most horrific humanitarian tragedies of recent times, but simultaneously distanced himself from Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages.
Having been barred from attending the UN Assembly in person due to visa restrictions, Abbas expressed gratitude to nations that have recognized Palestinian statehood recently, including Canada, Australia, and the UK. The French peace proposal, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia, outlines a plan for the simultaneous release of Hamas-held hostages and the cessation of Israeli military operations, eventually leading to a transitional governance of Gaza excluding Hamas.
Abbas emphasized his willingness to collaborate with various international partners on this peace initiative, although both the US and Israel have not supported the plan. He advocated for a Palestinian state to take full control over the Gaza Strip post-Israeli withdrawal and expressed intentions to conduct democratic elections within a year of conflict resolution. This commitment for a modern and democratic Palestinian state reflects Abbas's long-term vision for regional peace and governance.
