Hamas slams Abbas’s 'regrettable' UN remarks on disarmament as Israel vows punitive steps

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called on Hamas to disarm and accept PA control of Gaza during a speech to a UN conference on a two-state solution.

Speaking via video link on Wednesday, after the United States refused him a visa to attend in person, Abbas urged Hamas and other factions to "surrender their weapons" and ruled out any future role for the group in governing Gaza.

In response, Hamas condemned Abbas’s remarks as "deeply regrettable". Senior official Izzat al-Rishq said the PA president was echoing Israeli demands while Israel continued its campaign of massacres in Gaza and intensified raids across the occupied West Bank.

Rishq warned that dismissing Hamas from any future governing role violated national dialogue agreements and ignored the right of Palestinians to determine their own leadership.

He accused Abbas of submitting to "external dictates" at a moment when Palestinians are enduring relentless Israeli aggression.

The Hamas statement also urged the PA to abandon its security coordination with Israel and instead focus on reconciliation and resistance.

"Only through unity can Palestinians achieve freedom, dignity, and an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital," Rishq said.

Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that Israel is weighing punitive measures against Abbas following growing recognition of a Palestinian state by Western countries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has warned of steps targeting the Palestinian leadership, including potential financial restrictions.

Israel's war on Gaza has killed at least 65,419 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry. Thousands of uncounted victims are believed to be trapped under rubble and the besieged and devastated territory continues to suffer brutal Israeli bombardment, mass displacement, and famine.