Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas affirmed on Sunday evening, July 13, 2025, that Hamas will not be allowed to govern the Gaza Strip in the aftermath of the current conflict. He stressed that the movement must relinquish its weapons to the Palestinian Authority and fully commit to political engagement through adherence to the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) political platform, its international commitments, international legitimacy, and the principles of one unified authority, one law, and one legitimate weapon.
President Abbas made these remarks during a meeting with former British Prime Minister and former Quartet envoy Tony Blair, held at his residence in the Jordanian capital, Amman.
The meeting focused on the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and the ongoing political and humanitarian situation. President Abbas reiterated the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and detainees, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
He emphasized that the only viable solution is a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the empowerment of the State of Palestine to assume full responsibility for governance in the Strip, with robust support from both Arab and international actors.
President Abbas also underscored the necessity of halting all unilateral measures, particularly settlement expansion, annexation, and repeated attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites. He called for the launch of a serious political process to implement the two-state solution, based on international legitimacy, the Arab Peace Initiative, and through the convening of an international peace conference in New York.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to continue working and coordinating with relevant stakeholders to end the war and promote peace, stability, and security for all in the region.