Palestinian President Abbas Demands Full UN Membership, Rejects Hamas' Role

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for full UN membership for Palestine and declared that Hamas will have no role in governing Gaza after the war ends. Speaking at a two-state solution conference in New York, Abbas also committed to holding presidential and parliamentary elections within a year of the war's conclusion.

Abbas addressed the conference via video link at the New York gathering, which was jointly hosted by Saudi Arabia and France. The Palestinian leader said his authority is ready to work with all partners to implement a peace plan outlined in what he called the "New York Declaration."

The president made clear his position on post-war Gaza governance. "Hamas and all factions must hand over their weapons to the Palestinian Authority," he said, adding that "Hamas will have no role in ruling Gaza."

Abbas also reaffirmed his recognition of Israel's right to exist. "We recognized Israel's right to exist and we still recognize it," he said, while demanding that "the war on our people must stop immediately."

Looking ahead to post-conflict arrangements, the Palestinian president outlined specific commitments. He pledged to hold presidential and parliamentary elections within one year after the Gaza war ends and to draft an interim constitution.

Abbas called for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of hostages. His statements come as international efforts continue to find a path toward ending the current conflict and establishing a framework for future governance in Palestinian territories.

The conference represents ongoing diplomatic efforts to revive the two-state solution, with major Arab and European powers taking active roles in facilitating discussions about post-war arrangements in Gaza and broader Palestinian governance structures.