Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has stated his readiness to collaborate with world leaders to implement a peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians announced by France earlier this week.
Speaking via video at the UN General Assembly, Abbas reiterated his firm stance against any future governing role for Hamas in Gaza, insisting on their disarmament.
He urged nations that have yet to recognize a Palestinian state to do so and called for the United Nations to award it full membership.
Abbas harshly criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza, branding them as one of the most horrific humanitarian tragedies of the 20th and 21st centuries. At the same time, he condemned Hamas for the attacks on Israel that resulted in significant casualties and hostages earlier this month.
The recent conflict has seen approximately 1,200 civilian deaths in Israel following Hamas's attacks on October 7, and a staggering death toll of over 65,000 Palestinians since the outbreak of war, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Due to visa revocations by the US state department, Abbas was unable to attend the UN meeting in person, a situation criticized by various international observers.
In his remarks, he thanked the nations that have recently acknowledged the state of Palestine, a list that includes Canada, Australia, and the UK, urging more countries to follow suit.
Abbas endorsed the newly proposed peace plan from French President Emmanuel Macron, which aims for an unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas and the cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza. The proposed plan includes the formation of a transitional administration led by the Palestinian Authority and the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and demilitarized State of Palestine.
While Abbas is open to working with US President Donald Trump and other international figures on this plan, the US and Israel have not shown support for this initiative.
Abbas also expressed aspirations for a Palestinian government capable of assuming complete responsibility for Gaza, advocating for reform and requesting international and Arab solidarity.
He is advocating for upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections within a year of the conflict's resolution, aiming for a modern democratic state committed to international law and pluralism.
The previous Palestinian elections were held in 2006, after which Hamas assumed control of Gaza, ousting Abbas's Fatah faction.
