Abbas Advocates for Demilitarization of Hamas in Call for Peace
Palestinian President urges international forces to ensure protection and support a two-state solution.
PARIS: Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has called for Hamas to relinquish its weapons, advocating for the deployment of international forces to safeguard the Palestinian people.
This statement came in a letter addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, coinciding with their leadership role at an upcoming conference on a two-state solution aimed at addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In his communication, Abbas emphasized that Hamas should cease its governance over Gaza and transfer its military capabilities to the Palestinian Security Forces.
He proposed the involvement of Arab and international military forces as part of a stabilization and protection mission, seeking a mandate from the United Nations Security Council.
The forthcoming conference, scheduled to take place at UN headquarters, aims to revive the concept of a two-state solution, amid ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region, particularly following the escalation of violence after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel.
Abbas expressed readiness to achieve a peace agreement that formally terminates the Israeli occupation, insisting on a clear timeline, international support, and oversight in addressing unresolved issues.
He also reiterated the demand for Hamas to release all hostages and captives.
The Elysee Palace responded positively to Abbas's letter, describing his commitments as unprecedented and indicative of a genuine desire to implement the two-state solution.
President Macron has articulated his determination to recognize a Palestinian state, although he has outlined prerequisites including the demilitarization of Hamas.
Abbas also reiterated his commitment to reforming the Palestinian Authority and his intention to conduct presidential and general elections within a year, with the support of the international community.
Abbas underscored that while a Palestinian state should maintain security over its territory, it does not intend to become a militarized entity.
France has long advocated for a two-state solution, and full recognition of a Palestinian state by Paris would represent a significant shift in policy, potentially straining relations with Israel, which maintains that such actions by foreign nations are premature.
This statement came in a letter addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, coinciding with their leadership role at an upcoming conference on a two-state solution aimed at addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In his communication, Abbas emphasized that Hamas should cease its governance over Gaza and transfer its military capabilities to the Palestinian Security Forces.
He proposed the involvement of Arab and international military forces as part of a stabilization and protection mission, seeking a mandate from the United Nations Security Council.
The forthcoming conference, scheduled to take place at UN headquarters, aims to revive the concept of a two-state solution, amid ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region, particularly following the escalation of violence after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel.
Abbas expressed readiness to achieve a peace agreement that formally terminates the Israeli occupation, insisting on a clear timeline, international support, and oversight in addressing unresolved issues.
He also reiterated the demand for Hamas to release all hostages and captives.
The Elysee Palace responded positively to Abbas's letter, describing his commitments as unprecedented and indicative of a genuine desire to implement the two-state solution.
President Macron has articulated his determination to recognize a Palestinian state, although he has outlined prerequisites including the demilitarization of Hamas.
Abbas also reiterated his commitment to reforming the Palestinian Authority and his intention to conduct presidential and general elections within a year, with the support of the international community.
Abbas underscored that while a Palestinian state should maintain security over its territory, it does not intend to become a militarized entity.
France has long advocated for a two-state solution, and full recognition of a Palestinian state by Paris would represent a significant shift in policy, potentially straining relations with Israel, which maintains that such actions by foreign nations are premature.
