Palestinian President distances himself from Hamas after attack on Israel

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas made it clear in a telephone call with Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro that the actions and policies of Hamas do not represent the Palestinian people. This comes more than a week after Hamas' devastating attack on Israel. Abbas condemned the killing of civilians on both sides and called for the release of prisoners. Despite ongoing reconciliation talks, Abbas reiterated the position that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is the only legitimate representation of the Palestinian people. Abbas advocated peaceful resistance to end the Israeli occupation. Hamas had attacked Israel on Oct. 7, leading to heavy clashes and exacerbating the suffering of civilians in the region. This move by Abbas underscores the ongoing tensions and political differences within the Palestinian movement in light of the recent wave of violence in the region.