Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday told the UN General Assembly that Hamas would have no role in governing Gaza once the ongoing war ends, stressing that the group must disarm and hand over its weapons.
Speaking via video link after the United States revoked his visa, Abbas said the Palestinian Authority is prepared to take full responsibility for governance and security in the territories.
He noted that Palestinians in Gaza are enduring “a war of genocide, destruction, starvation and displacement” by Israel, but maintained that the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel “does not represent the Palestinian people.”
“We reject that action,” Abbas said, laying out his vision for postwar governance in Gaza and the West Bank. “Hamas will have no role to play in governance.”
His remarks came a day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver his address to the General Assembly in person.
“There can be no justice if Palestine is not freed,” Abbas told world leaders, as he urged international recognition of Palestinian statehood and accountability for what he described as Israeli atrocities in Gaza.