Abbas affirms 'Hamas does not represent Palestinian people'

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas affirmed during a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolás Maduro Sunday that the policies and actions of Hamas do not represent the Palestinian people. He stated that the decisions of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) are the legitimate and sole representation of the Palestinian people.

Abbas discussed with the President of Venezuela the latest developments in the challenging situation in Palestine, emphasizing the urgent need to stop the aggression against the Palestinian people, protect them, allow for the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors to Gaza, provide medical supplies, and ensure the delivery of water, electricity, and fuel to the citizens there.

Abbas reiterated his complete rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian people from the Gaza Strip, as it would be a second catastrophe for the Palestinians.

He also affirmed his rejection of killing civilians on both sides and called for the release of civilians, prisoners, and detainees from both sides. Abbas reiterated his commitment to rejecting violence, adhering to international legitimacy and signed agreements, peaceful popular resistance, and political action as a means to achieve our national goals. He emphasized the necessity of pursuing a political solution to end the occupation.

For his part, the President of Venezuela expressed his solidarity with the Palestinian people in their pursuit of regaining their legitimate rights to freedom and independence.