Abbas’ advisor: Israel is “a functional entity” operated by the US

Mahmoud Al-Habbash: "We are not talking about two sovereign states. We are talking about a superpower, the US, and a functional entity operated by remote control, which is Israel. If the US decides that there will be no annexation of the West Bank, there will be no annexation of the West Bank. Therefore, we take it seriously and welcome these statements [by US President Trump against annexation], because we know that these statements are the ones that will be implemented on the ground."

[PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' Advisor on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Al-Habbash, YouTube channel, Oct. 23, 2025]