Abbas’ advisor endorses Hamas as “part of the Palestinian national fabric”, but can’t have weapons
PA Chairman Abbas' Advisor on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Al-Habbash: "If Hamas wants to be part of the Palestinian national fabric - and it is part of it, and we cannot take that away from it. But if it wants to be a partner in the Palestinian decision-making, it must commit to the PLO's plan. There can be no weapons other than the weapons of the legitimate national bodies. Hamas doesn't have the right to declare war or peace or speak on behalf of the Palestinian people. Hamas is a faction, but not every faction has the right to speak on behalf of the Palestinian people."
[PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' Advisor on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Al-Habbash, YouTube channel, July 30, 2025]