Abbas Blasts Hamas, Demands Release of Israeli Hostages in Fiery Speech at Palestinian Central Council Session

Watan-On Wednesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Hamas to release Israeli hostages in order to “deny Israel excuses” for its ongoing bombardment of Gaza. During the opening of the 32nd Palestinian Central Council session in Ramallah, Abbas criticized Hamas, saying:

“Every day there are deaths — why? Hamas has given the criminal occupation excuses to commit its crimes in Gaza, most notably by holding hostages. I’m the one paying the price, not Israel.”

He stressed that the Palestinian people are facing dangers akin to a new Nakba, threatening their existence and national cause. Abbas went on to say:“Our people are facing a genocidal war that has killed or injured over 200,000, and erased 2,165 families in Gaza. The loss of even one child is a tragedy — how about this many?”

He accused Israel of systematically working to eliminate the Palestinian cause through organized terrorism in both Gaza and the West Bank, including violations of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, financial blockades, land confiscations, and property seizures.

Abbas Highlights Priorities as Palestinian Council Convenes Amid Gaza War

Abbas reiterated the leadership’s priorities: ending the war in Gaza, halting repeated Israeli raids on Palestinian towns and camps in the West Bank, and lifting the blockade to begin Gaza’s recovery.

The 32nd session of the Central Council was held under the slogan:“No to annexation or displacement — steadfastness in the homeland, saving Gaza, ending the war, protecting Jerusalem and the West Bank, and uniting under a national Palestinian front.”

Topics on the agenda included:

• Ending Israel’s genocide in Gaza

• Opposing U.S.-backed displacement plans

• Reviving internal unity under the PLO

• Addressing delayed reforms and political inclusivity

Despite the significance of the session, several major factions — including the Popular Front and the Palestinian National Initiative — boycotted it, citing delays and a lack of broad representation.

Hamas issued a statement criticizing the limited participation and calling on the Council to adopt bold, responsible decisions to end the war, stop security coordination with Israel, support Gaza’s civilians, and rebuild the PLO on democratic foundations.

Ramzi Rabah, of the PLO’s Executive Committee and the Democratic Front, said the session came “a year and a half too late,” calling for a comprehensive strategy to stop the assault and end internal division.