Abbas Labels Hamas 'Sons of Dogs' in Demands for Hostage Release

In a forceful address, Abbas calls for the release of hostages, and a disarmament of Hamas, while tensions escalate further in Gaza.

Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, delivered a passionate speech in Ramallah, addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and condemning Hamas leaders, whom he derogatorily referred to as "sons of dogs." He publicly demanded the militant group release hostages it continues to hold, disarm, and relinquish its governance of Gaza to facilitate peace with Israel.

Abbas's comments marked his strongest condemnation of Hamas since the war commenced 18 months ago. Speaking to a gathering in the occupied West Bank, he criticized Hamas for providing what he called "excuses" for Israel to persist in its military actions against Gaza, stating, "Release the hostages and be done with it."

In a swift rebuttal to Abbas's remarks, a Hamas spokesperson condemned the "derogatory language" directed at their organization, arguing that Abbas's comments alienate a significant faction of the Palestinian populace. The tension between the two factions remains palpable, especially after Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire that included disarmament and the release of a portion of the remaining hostages.

Hamas has offered its willingness to release all hostages in exchange for a cessation of hostilities and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces but has firmly ruled out the disarmament of its military capabilities. The PA, founded by Abbas's Fatah movement, has governed parts of the West Bank since Hamas assumed control of Gaza in 2007, yet faces criticism from Palestinians over its perceived ineffectiveness and lack of action in the current crisis.

The conflict has seen devastating consequences, with reports indicating that the Israeli military launched extensive strikes following a deadly cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, that resulted in significant casualties on both sides. In the aftermath, humanitarian conditions in Gaza have deteriorated sharply, with the UN warning about severe shortages of necessities essential for survival.

In recent reports, Israeli airstrikes have continued to claim lives, including ten fatalities from a hit on a school sheltering displaced families. On the diplomatic front, calls have emerged from the UK, France, and Germany urging Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza and ensure a swift flow of humanitarian aid, emphasizing that such measures are a legal obligation under international law.

The escalating violence and deepening divisions between the Palestinian factions signal a continued cycle of conflict, undermining hopes for a unified political voice in Palestinian territories. Abbas, now 89, faces a legacy of diminishing relevance amid increasing public discontent over his leadership and the lack of elections in years, while Hamas's ties to its armed wing complicate peace efforts further.