Abbas Blasts Hamas Over Hostages, Calls for End to Gaza Control

In a striking and emotionally charged address, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas publicly lashed out at Hamas, demanding that the terror group immediately release the hostages it has held since the October 7 attacks.

“Sons of dogs, hand over the hostages,” Abbas declared during a televised speech at the Palestinian Central Council on Wednesday. He accused Hamas of prolonging the war and exacerbating civilian suffering by refusing to release American and other hostages.

“The war must end,” Abbas said. “Hundreds are dying every day because [Hamas] doesn't want to hand over the American hostages... Sons of dogs hand over the hostages and end the matter.”

The remarks represent one of the most severe public condemnations of Hamas by a Palestinian leader since the conflict began. Abbas also insisted that Hamas end its control of Gaza, disarm, and transfer authority back to the Palestinian Authority.

He extended an invitation for political reconciliation, urging Hamas to transform into a political party and engage in dialogue: “Talk to us instead of the Americans.”

Despite his strong criticism of Hamas, Abbas also turned his fire on Israel, blaming the 2007 Hamas coup for giving Israel a pretext to destroy Gaza. He alleged that more than 2,000 families had been wiped out during the war and warned, “We are facing serious dangers that could lead to a new Nakba.”

Abbas reiterated his vision for peace: the end of the Israeli occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The speech comes amid growing internal and regional pressure on Hamas, with increasing demands from both Palestinian leadership and Arab nations for the group to release the remaining hostages and relinquish its grip over Gaza.

The Palestinian Authority has long accused Hamas of undermining national unity and hijacking the Palestinian cause for its own militant ambitions. With Abbas’s speech, the division between the PA and Hamas appears more exposed than ever.

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