Sign in Subscribe
Abbas, Mahmoud

Palestinian Authority President Abbas Calls for Ceasefire, Hamas Defies Demands

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging Hamas to surrender its weapons and allow the PA to assume control of the region. Abbas made the statement after a meeting with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in Amman, emphasizing the need for an immediate truce, the release of all captives, and a full Israeli withdrawal. This comes as Hamas rejects similar demands from Abbas, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two factions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging Hamas to surrender its weapons and allow the PA to assume control of the region.
  • Abbas urged an immediate truce, the release of all captives on both sides, and a full Israeli withdrawal, citing the need for Arab and international backing.
  • Hamas has rejected similar demands from Abbas in the past, indicating ongoing tensions between the two factions.
  • The Palestinian Authority and Hamas have been at odds since Hamas won the 2006 elections and seized Gaza from Fatah in 2007.
  • The US believes a truce is possible within days, with envoy Steve Witkoff expressing "hopefulness" after discussions with Qatari intermediaries.
  • Steve Witkoff, US envoy, expressed "hopefulness" after discussions with Qatari intermediaries.
  • A Channel 12 poll found 75% of Israelis back a deal exchanging an end to the offensive for the release of all hostages.
  • The draft deal envisages a 60-day truce, staged hostage releases, and partial Israeli troop pullbacks, followed by negotiations on a permanent end to the 21-month war.
  • Talks remain stuck over Israel's refusal to commit to a complete withdrawal.

Statistics:

  • 75% of Israelis support a deal exchanging an end to the offensive for the release of all hostages, according to a Channel 12 poll.
  • 21-month war between Israel and Hamas.
  • 60-day truce proposed in the draft deal.
  • 2006: Hamas won the Palestinian elections.
  • 2007: Hamas seized Gaza from Fatah.

Sources:

  • Ethiopian News Agency, 14 Jul 2025
  • Palestinian Authority, statement by Mahmoud Abbas
  • Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, meeting with Abbas in Amman
  • Channel 12 poll
  • US President Donald Trump
  • US Envoy Steve Witkoff
  • Qatari intermediaries.

Read more