'Hamas must surrender', Palestinian President makes strong appeal over bloodshed in Gaza

News Topical, Digital Desk : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that Hamas and its various factions should surrender and lay down their arms before the Palestinian Authority. He said that the Palestinian state is the only entity capable of ensuring governance and security in Gaza.

Abbas made the appeal via video link on Monday during a special session on a two-state solution at the UN General Assembly. He presented his vision for a unified Palestinian state during his address.

Hamas will have no role in governance

Abbas said, “Hamas will have no role in governance. We urge Hamas and other groups to surrender their weapons to the Palestinian Authority. We want a unified nation, free of weapons, with one law and a legitimate security force.”

He condemned the crimes of starvation, civilian killings, and occupation in Gaza, as well as Hamas's actions on October 7, 2023. Hamas launched a massive attack on Israel on that day. Israel has since been conducting a military operation in Gaza to eliminate Hamas.

Guterres reiterates support for two-state solution

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed member states at UN headquarters on Monday and reiterated that statehood for Palestinians is a right, not a prize.

He reiterated his support for a two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Gaza conflict. He said, "The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has remained unresolved for generations. Negotiations have failed to yield a solution, and resolutions have been violated.

Ursula said, reconstruction of Gaza is necessary

European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen reaffirmed Europe's commitment to a two-state solution in her address to the UN General Assembly.

He announced new initiatives to support Palestine and rebuild Gaza. He said, “We will establish a Palestine donor group, because any future Palestinian state must be economically viable.”

France also recognized the Palestinian state

French President Emmanuel Macron announced his recognition of the Palestinian state on Monday, joining nearly 150 countries that recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, according to the New York Times.

On Sunday, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognized an independent Palestinian state. Macron said such recognition was the only path to a peaceful future for Israel.

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