Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his willingness for the Palestinian Authority to take part in the administration of the Gaza Strip, but only if there is a comprehensive political solution that includes the occupied West Bank. As Israeli forces continue their ground operation to eradicate Hamas, speculation has been growing about the future of Gaza after the current conflict ends. While the United States has stated that Palestinians should govern Gaza, the practical implications of this remain uncertain.
Abbas held Israel fully responsible for the events in Gaza, which has endured weeks of relentless bombardment resulting in over 11,000 deaths, according to Palestinian health authorities. The Israeli offensive followed an attack by Hamas militants from Gaza on October 7, with the Israeli government revising the death toll downward to around 1,200, contrary to their previous estimate of 1,400.
Abbas emphasized that the Palestinian Authority’s involvement in Gaza should be part of a broader political solution that encompasses the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He asserted that Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine, and the Palestinian Authority is ready to shoulder its responsibilities within the framework of this comprehensive political solution, which includes the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Efforts to achieve a two-state solution and establish an independent Palestinian state have been stalled for nearly a decade, following the breakdown of the last round of US-brokered peace talks in 2014. Despite calls from various countries, including the United States, for a two-state solution, there have been no significant signs of progress in the peace process.
Abbas proposed the convening of an international peace conference, supported by specific timelines and international guarantees, to facilitate the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
(Reporting by Ali Sawafta and James Mackenzie; Writing by Claudia Tanios; Editing by Alison Williams and Grant McCool)
