Abbas calls on Hamas to relinquish Gaza control

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the Palestinian people are facing a campaign of genocide, stressing that the current critical phase requires greater Arab and international support.

Speaking at the Arab Summit in Baghdad, Abbas called for a comprehensive Arab plan to end the aggression, urging the establishment of a permanent and inclusive ceasefire as a step toward implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state.

He outlined his political vision, which includes halting unilateral actions such as settlement expansion and forced displacement.

He reaffirmed that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) remains the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, adding that any group seeking to join must recognize this legitimacy.

Abbas urged Hamas to relinquish its control of the Gaza Strip and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. He also called on all Palestinian factions to surrender their arms in support of unified Palestinian decision-making.

He expressed appreciation to US President Donald Trump for efforts made to end the war in Gaza.