Abbas Criticizes Hamas Leadership and Calls for Hostage Release Amid Ongoing Gaza War

Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, condemned Hamas in a recent speech, urging the group to release hostages and relinquish control of Gaza. His remarks highlight the deep rift between the two factions and the ongoing humanitarian crisis as war continues.

Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, has publicly criticized Hamas, calling them "sons of dogs" during a fiery address in Ramallah. In a bid to end the ongoing Gaza conflict, he demanded that Hamas release hostages, disarm, and transfer control of Gaza back to the Palestinian Authority. Abbas asserted that Hamas' actions have provided Israel with "excuses" to intensify its military operations in Gaza.

These comments mark the strongest condemnation from Abbas since the beginning of the war 18 months ago. A Hamas spokesperson strongly rebuked Abbas for using derogatory language against a significant portion of the Palestinian populace. Abbas's recent outburst coincided with a failed ceasefire proposal that included demands for Hamas to disarm and release hostages in exchange for a temporary halt to hostilities.

Hamas reiterated that it would only turn over hostages in exchange for an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, emphasizing their refusal to relinquish their weapons. The rift between Abbas and Hamas has persisted for decades, leading to a fragmented Palestinian leadership, with Abbas criticized for his ineffective governance and failure to address the ongoing crisis adequately.

In the speech to the Palestinian Central Council, Abbas specified that Hamas must relinquish their control of Gaza and transition into a political party. The escalating conflict has severely impacted Gaza, with recent airstrikes resulting in numerous civilian casualties and an ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Israel's blockade. The toll in Gaza has reached an alarming level, with casualty figures nearing 51,300, according to local health officials.

Meanwhile, chaos continues on the ground as the Israeli military claims to be targeting Hamas militants while Gaza's numbers of fatalities and severely injured civilians rise amid accusations of the group using civilians as human shields. Abbas's remarks come at a time when the international community, including the foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany, is urging Israel to lift the humanitarian blockade affecting millions in Gaza.

The ongoing turmoil underscores the dire need for a resolution, but significant divisions remain among Palestinian factions, complicating future peace efforts.