A Fiery Demand for Change

In a passionate rally against Hamas, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the group as "sons of dogs," demanding they release their hostages and disarm. His urgent plea is part of a broader call to return control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority (PA), aiming to put an end to the relentless conflict with Israel.

Abbas's Strongest Words Yet

Addressing the Palestinian Central Council in Ramallah, Abbas accused Hamas of providing Israel with justification to continue its attacks on Gaza. He emphatically stated, "Just release whoever you're holding and be done with it. Shut down their excuses and spare us." This was the most forceful criticism he has directed at Hamas since the onset of the war 18 months ago.

Hamas's Rejection Stirs Tensions

Hamas, however, dismissed an Israeli ceasefire proposal last week, which included a demand to disarm in exchange for a pause in hostilities and the release of some hostages. The group insists it will only release all hostages in return for a complete end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, firmly rejecting the notion of disarming.

A Fragmented Palestinian Leadership

Since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007, the PA has governed only parts of the West Bank. Abbas’s leadership has faced steep criticism from Palestinians for perceived weakness and corruption. Many see him as increasingly irrelevant, having remained in power without elections for years. Hamas, for its part, accuses the PA of colluding with Israel.

Escalating Violence in Gaza

In the wake of ongoing hostilities, the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows dire. The UN has warned of severe shortages of basic necessities, with malnutrition and inadequate medical supplies becoming rampant. Israeli airstrikes continue, resulting in civilian casualties, including a recent tragic attack on a school sheltering displaced families.

International Calls for Action

The foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany have expressed their concerns, labeling the Israeli blockade as "intolerable" and calling for immediate resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza. They emphasized the urgency of meeting the needs of civilians caught in the crossfire.

A War Without End?

As the conflict drags into its second year, countless lives have been lost on both sides—more than 51,300 fatalities in Gaza alone since October 2023, following Hamas’s unprecedented cross-border attack that left around 1,200 Israelis dead. With tensions high and divisions deep, Abbas’s desperate condemnation of Hamas reflects a yearning for change amid a backdrop of chaos, bloodshed, and suffering.