**Palestinian Authority's Call for Hamas Disarmament Sparks Diplomatic Tensions**

**On the eve of a critical U.N. conference, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas demands that Hamas disarm and release hostages, raising concerns about regional stability and international support.**

Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority (PA), has made a forceful plea for Hamas to “surrender its weapons,” free all hostages, and cease its governance over Gaza. This request comes in the wake of a letter sent to French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who will co-chair an upcoming U.N. conference dedicated to discussing the potential establishment of a Palestinian state.

According to a statement released by the Élysée Palace, Abbas's letter demands the immediate disarmament of Hamas. He contends that the Palestinian security forces, supported by Arab and international allies, should take over Gaza's governance. This initiative is anticipated to meet skepticism from both Israeli authorities and U.S. officials.

Abbas has reiterated that Hamas must “immediately release all hostages,” a reiteration of previous statements made in light of ongoing conflicts. The longstanding feud between Abbas's Palestinian Authority, which governs portions of the West Bank, and Hamas, which controls Gaza, has thwarted numerous reconciliation attempts, providing a talking point for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who uses the schism to argue against the viability of a two-state solution.

In strong denunciation of the Hamas-led attack on Israel that resulted in the tragic loss of around 1,200 lives on October 7, Abbas described the act as “unacceptable and reprehensible,” highlighting the deep divisions and escalating tensions within Palestinian politics and the broader Middle East region.