Palestinian Authority President Abbas Demands Hamas Release Hostages and Relinquish Gaza Control at PLO Meeting

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Hamas, demanding the release of hostages, disarmament, and ceding control of Gaza to the PA during a PLO Central Council meeting in Ramallah. Abbas, 89, described these actions as crucial to ending the Gaza conflict. The meeting also addressed succession plans for Abbas, who has led without elections since 2005. Hamas rejected Abbas's demands, accusing him of undermining unity. The council is considering appointing a deputy to succeed Abbas amid international efforts to reform Gaza's governance.

Abbas’s Sharp Rebuke of Hamas

In a televised address during the PLO Central Council’s two-day session, Abbas used unusually harsh language to denounce Hamas, referring to the group as “sons of dogs” and accusing it of providing Israel with a pretext to continue its military campaign in Gaza.

“Hand over those you are holding and end this situation,” Abbas said, referring to the hostages still held by Hamas. “Sons of dogs, just release whoever you're holding and be done with it. Shut down their excuses and spare us,” he added, according to multiple sources.

Abbas emphasized that the top priority was to stop what he described as a “war of extermination” in Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians are reportedly being killed daily. He argued that Hamas’s continued detention of hostages and refusal to disarm were prolonging the conflict and enabling further Israeli military action.

Demands for Disarmament and Political Transition

Beyond the release of hostages, Abbas called on Hamas to disarm and relinquish its control over Gaza, which it has held since forcibly ousting PA forces in 2007 following its victory in the 2006 legislative elections. He urged Hamas to transform into a political party and operate under the umbrella of the PLO, the internationally recognized representative of the Palestinian people.

“Hamas must end its control of the Gaza Strip and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority,” Abbas stated. “Talk to us instead of the Americans.”

This marked the first time since the start of the current war in Gaza that Abbas publicly demanded Hamas transfer authority to the PA, although he has made similar calls in the past. The remarks come amid renewed international efforts to formulate a post-war governance plan for Gaza, with several Western and Arab nations advocating for a reformed PA to assume administrative control.

Hamas’s Response and Ongoing Divisions

Hamas swiftly rejected Abbas’s statements, accusing him of undermining Palestinian unity and deflecting blame for Israel’s actions. In a statement, the group questioned Abbas’s “competence” and criticized his use of derogatory language.

“Abbas repeatedly and suspiciously lays the blame for the crimes of the occupation and its ongoing aggression on our people,” said Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’s political bureau. He condemned Abbas’s remarks as divisive and unrepresentative of the Palestinian populace.

Hamas reiterated its position that it would only release hostages in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war. The group has consistently refused to disarm, viewing its military capabilities as essential to resisting Israeli occupation.

PLO Central Council Considers Succession

The PLO Central Council meeting, held in Ramallah, was not only a platform for Abbas’s speech but also a forum for internal deliberations on the future leadership of the Palestinian Authority. At 89 years old and having ruled without an election since 2005, Abbas’s political longevity has raised urgent questions about succession.

The council is expected to select a deputy who could eventually succeed Abbas, though no official announcement has been made. The process remains tightly controlled by Abbas and his Fatah party, which dominates both the PA and the PLO.

Creating a vice presidency or appointing a clear successor would provide some clarity about the post-Abbas era. However, the PA’s deep unpopularity, allegations of corruption, and limited authority in the West Bank have cast doubt on its ability to unify Palestinian governance or lead a post-war Gaza.

International and Regional Context

Abbas’s remarks come amid a broader push by international actors to end the war in Gaza and establish a new political framework for the territory. Egypt has floated proposals for Hamas’s disarmament, while Western nations have called for a reformed PA to take over governance responsibilities.

Despite these efforts, Israel has rejected any role for Hamas in a future Gaza administration and remains skeptical of the PA’s capacity to govern effectively. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has also ruled out Palestinian statehood and insists on maintaining security control over both the West Bank and Gaza.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll of the war continues to mount. According to Israeli sources, 24 hostages remain in Gaza, along with the bodies of 35 abductees. The Israeli military has intensified operations in the coastal enclave in an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining captives.

Political Implications and Public Sentiment

Abbas’s speech represents a significant shift in tone, reflecting both internal and external pressures. Domestically, he faces widespread criticism for the PA’s perceived ineffectiveness and failure to represent Palestinian interests. Polls consistently show that Marwan Barghouti, a senior Fatah leader currently imprisoned in Israel, is the most popular Palestinian political figure.

The PA’s leadership has also been criticized for not taking stronger action during the war and for its ongoing security coordination with Israel. Abbas’s harsh rhetoric against Hamas may be an attempt to reassert his relevance and position the PA as a viable alternative for governing Gaza.

However, the deep rift between Hamas and the PA, which has persisted for nearly two decades, remains a major obstacle to Palestinian political unity. Reconciliation talks have repeatedly failed, and the current crisis has only deepened the divide.

References

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