Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Seeks Peace with Trump’s Support

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:10:43 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a recent video address to the UN General Assembly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his willingness to collaborate with world leaders, including Donald Trump, to implement a new peace plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while addressing the impact of ongoing violence in Gaza.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced his readiness to work with global leaders on a peace plan for Israel and Palestine during a video speech at the UN General Assembly. He emphasized the need to disarm Hamas and called for full recognition of a Palestinian state, while condemning Israel's military actions in Gaza. Abbas endorsed a plan presented by France that seeks the release of hostages and a transition to a Palestinian governance structure, separating from Hamas, in the hope of establishing a peaceful Palestinian state.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has stated he is ready to collaborate with world leaders to implement a peace initiative for Israel and the Palestinians announced by France.

Speaking via video at the UN General Assembly, Abbas reiterated his rejection of a future governing role for Hamas in Gaza and demanded it disarm.

He also called on countries that have not yet recognized a Palestinian state to do so, and urged the UN to grant full membership.

Abbas denounced the Israeli military offensive in Gaza as “one of the most horrific humanitarian tragedies of the 20th and 21st Centuries.” However, he rejected Hamas's actions during its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians.

Since the escalation, at least 65,502 Palestinians have died due to Israeli military actions, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Abbas was unable to attend the UN assembly in person after the US revoked visas for him and 80 other Palestinian officials. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused them of undermining peace efforts.

In his speech, Abbas thanked countries that have recognized a Palestinian state, which began with Canada, Australia, the UK, and Portugal on Sunday. This wave of recognition grew to include several other nations.

The US currently opposes recognizing Palestine, viewing it as a reward for Hamas's violence.

Abbas endorsed the peace plan pushed by French President Emmanuel Macron, which includes simultaneous release of hostages held by Hamas and ending Israeli military operations. This would lead to a transitional administration involving Abbas's Palestinian Authority and exclude Hamas.

Abbas remains open to collaborating with Trump, Saudi Arabia, France, and other international partners to pursue the peace plan, aiming for a just resolution and regional cooperation.

He also called for establishing a Palestinian state to lead Gaza following an Israeli withdrawal and connect it with the occupied West Bank. This initiative depends on support from Arab and international communities.

Abbas mentioned plans for reform, including holding elections within one year after the conflict's resolution, advocating for a democratic state committed to rule of law and empowering women and youth.

The last Palestinian elections occurred in 2006, won by Hamas, which later forcibly removed Abbas's Fatah faction from Gaza.