Abbas's Shifting Stance on Hamas and Israel-Palestine Conflict

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas initially criticized Hamas, stating that their policies and actions do not represent the Palestinian people, but later backtracked when the comment was removed from an official news agency report. Abbas called for the release of prisoners and detainees from both sides and reiterated his claim that the displacement of Gazans would constitute a "second Nakba." Abbas's Fatah movement has had a tense relationship with Hamas since the latter seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007. US President Joe Biden also spoke with Abbas, emphasizing that Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people's right to dignity and self-determination.