Abbas announces cooperation with Trump on Gaza peace efforts
Palestine ready to take control of the Gaza Strip without Hamas (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The peace process in the Middle East is gaining new momentum. The Gaza plan, supported by the UN General Assembly, envisions conditions for a two-state solution and control over the Strip under the Palestinian Authority, according to Reuters.
The President of Palestine stated his readiness to work with US President Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia, France, and the UN to implement the peace plan for Gaza. He emphasized that the Strip must remain under the Palestinian National Authority, and Hamas will not participate in its administration.
“We have affirmed — and will continue to affirm — that Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine, and that we are ready to assume full responsibility for governance and security there. Hamas will have no role in governance, and it - along with other factions - must hand over its weapons to the Palestinian National Authority,” said Mahmoud Abbas.
Support from the UN General Assembly
The declaration, approved by a majority of UN member states, aims to advance a two-state solution - Israel and Palestine - and to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The plan also includes measures to ensure the safety of civilians.
Reaction from Hamas and Israel
Hamas rejected Abbas’ statements, calling them interference by external forces and a violation of the Palestinian people’s right to determine their own future. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar viewed the speech as a demonstration of willingness to cooperate with the West but noted that Abbas is still struggling to address the fight against terrorism.
Human casualties
Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, triggered a full-scale war in Gaza. According to Israeli sources, approximately 1,200 people were killed, most of them civilians, and 251 were taken hostage. Local health authorities report that since the beginning of the conflict, more than 65,000 people have died, predominantly among the civilian population.
The UK, Canada, and Australia have officially recognized the State of Palestine, prompting threats from Israel of a strong response. Some Israeli officials have also called for the annexation of certain territories in the occupied West Bank.
Israel reported the destruction of 25 terrorist towers in Gaza and once again threatened Hamas, warning that militants must surrender their weapons and release the hostages.
