Palestinian President: Hamas Won’t Govern Postwar Gaza/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the United Nations that Hamas will have no role in governing Gaza after the war ends, demanding the group disarm. Speaking remotely after the U.S. revoked his visa, Abbas denounced the 2023 Hamas attack and called for international support for Palestinian statehood. He also emphasized the Palestinian Authority’s readiness to take over Gaza’s governance and security.
Postwar Gaza Governance Quick Looks
- No Hamas Role: Abbas says Hamas must disarm and exit governance.
- Speech by Video: U.S. revoked Abbas’s visa ahead of UNGA.
- Rejects Hamas Attack: Abbas denounces October 7, 2023, assault on Israel.
- Gaza Suffering: Describes Israeli actions as “genocide, destruction, starvation.”
- PA Readiness: Palestinian Authority willing to govern and secure Gaza.
- Statehood Recognition: Welcomes recognition by France, UK, Canada.
- International Appeal: Urges full UN recognition and global support.
- Message to Palestinians: Vows dignity and resistance will outlast hardship.
- Netanyahu to Speak: Israeli Prime Minister scheduled to address UN Friday.
- Ongoing War Context: Speech underscores internal and external divides.
Deep Look: Abbas Declares Hamas Will Not Govern Gaza After the War
UNITED NATIONS — In a powerful and pointed address delivered remotely to the United Nations General Assembly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared that Hamas would be barred from any future governance of Gaza and called on the militant group to surrender its weapons. His speech, made via video after the U.S. revoked his visa, marked a pivotal moment in Palestinian leadership positioning amid the ongoing conflict.
Abbas emphasized that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people and condemned the group’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel — a rare public disavowal that sought to distance the Palestinian Authority (PA) from Hamas’s actions and to assert a more moderate vision for the region’s future.
“We reject what Hamas carried out,” Abbas stated firmly. “It does not reflect the will of the Palestinian people.”
Vision for Postwar Governance
As the war in Gaza continues to devastate lives and infrastructure, Abbas outlined what he believes must happen once the conflict ends: the Palestinian Authority should assume full responsibility for both governance and security in Gaza. He was clear in saying Hamas will play no part in the postwar political order.
“Hamas will have no role to play in governance,” he said. “They must hand over their weapons.”
The statement marked a defining stance by Abbas and the PA, potentially setting the stage for a broader realignment of power within Palestinian territories and postwar planning involving international stakeholders.
Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis and International Plea
In his speech, Abbas described Gaza as facing a “war of genocide, destruction, starvation, and displacement” at the hands of Israel. His remarks come amid a conflict that has drawn international scrutiny, humanitarian concern, and political division.
While acknowledging support from international leaders, Abbas stressed that symbolic recognition of Palestinian statehood is no longer enough. He urged decisive global action to fulfill long-standing Palestinian aspirations for independence and dignity.
“There can be no justice if Palestine is not freed,” he said. “It’s time for the international community to act.”
Abbas welcomed recent moves by France, the United Kingdom, and Canada to recognize Palestinian statehood, noting such recognition has renewed hope for peace. But he argued that diplomatic recognition alone does not meet the urgency of the moment.
Abbas’s Message of Defiance and Hope
Despite ongoing suffering and destruction in Gaza, Abbas ended his remarks with a message of resilience directed at his people. He promised that Palestinian dignity and determination would survive the war, and that the nation would not be driven from its homeland.
“We will not leave our homeland. We will not leave our lands,” Abbas declared.
“The dawn of freedom will emerge, and the flag of Palestine will fly high in our skies.”
His words were aimed at both bolstering morale within Palestinian communities and asserting the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority as the rightful governing body in the eyes of the global community.
Political Context: UNGA and Netanyahu’s Response
The timing of Abbas’s speech was notable, coming just one day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address the UN General Assembly in person. The dueling appearances reflect the deep divide between the two leaders’ visions for Gaza and the broader region.
Netanyahu has not signaled support for a return to Palestinian Authority control in Gaza and has maintained a hardline stance throughout the conflict, vowing continued military pressure on Hamas and resisting international calls for a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, Abbas’s remote appearance — the result of a revoked visa by the U.S. government — underscores the complicated diplomatic terrain the Palestinian leadership must navigate. It also reflects growing pressure on Abbas to distance himself from Hamas and restore credibility to the PA’s role in Palestinian governance.
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