Title: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Criticizes Hamas in Phone Call, Comments Later Edited
Date: October 15, 2023
The Palestinian Authority’s official news agency, WAFA, published comments made by President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday, in which he criticized Hamas for its actions. However, the reference to the militant group was later removed from the report without any explanation.
Abbas’ comments came during a phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, highlighting the recent bombardment of Gaza by Israel following Hamas’ deadly rampage through Israeli cities.
The original report by WAFA quoted Abbas as saying, “The president also stressed that Hamas’ policies and actions do not represent the Palestinian people, and the policies, programs, and decisions of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) represent the Palestinian people as their sole legitimate representative.”
However, a few hours later, the report was adjusted with the phrase now reading, “The president also stressed that the policies, programs, and decisions of the PLO represent the Palestinian people as their sole legitimate representative, and not the policies of any other organization.”
It remains unclear why the reference to Hamas was removed, and there have been no official comments from Abbas’ office or WAFA. Hamas has also refrained from giving an immediate response.
Abbas, who heads both the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the PLO, has long been at odds with Hamas. The militant group seized control of Gaza in 2007, thereby ousting Fatah party forces loyal to Abbas. Numerous attempts at reconciliation between the rival factions have proved unsuccessful over the years.
In addition to his criticism of Hamas, Abbas expressed his rejection of the killing of civilians on both sides and called for the release of civilians, prisoners, and detainees during his call with Maduro.
Abbas’ leadership in the Palestinian Authority and the PLO played a significant role in past U.S.-sponsored peace talks with Israel.
Reporting by Rami Ayyub, with additional reporting by Hatem Maher and Ahmed Tolba, contributed to this article. Editing by Deepa Babington, Lisa Shumaker, and Sonali Paul.
(Reporting by Rami Ayyub with additional reporting by Hatem Maher and Ahmed Tolba; Editing by Deepa Babington, Lisa Shumaker, and Sonali Paul)
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