Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas Expresses Hope for Peace Following Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

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Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas expressed hope for peace between Palestinians and Israelis in a rare interview with an Israeli television network following the Gaza ceasefire agreement signing.

"Today represents a historic moment. We have been hoping—and continue to hope—that we can end the bloodshed occurring throughout our land, whether in Gaza Strip, West Bank, or East Jerusalem," Abbas told Israel's Channel 12.

"We are very pleased today that the bloodshed has ceased. We hope this continues, and that peace, security, and stability will prevail between us and Israel."

Abbas responded in Arabic to questions asked in Hebrew during the interview.

When questioned about implementing reforms mentioned in US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza war resolution plan, Abbas confirmed reform processes were already underway.

"Speaking honestly—we have initiated reforms," Abbas stated.

"These reforms include payments to prisoners that we coordinated with the US and which received US approval," he explained, referring to disbursements the PA makes to families of Palestinians killed by Israel or imprisoned in Israeli facilities, including many detained for attacks against Israelis.

Abbas announced changes to this payment system—which critics label as "pay-to-slay"—in February under pressure from the US and Israel, who characterized it as "terrorism funding." Several Palestinian officials criticized this decision at that time.

During Thursday's Channel 12 interview, Abbas added that additional reforms in education, economy, healthcare, and security sectors were being implemented.

"Some reforms are completed, while others continue, with the goal of transforming the PA into a model capable of effectively leading the Palestinian people," Abbas explained.

Trump, alongside other international leaders and organizations, has urged Abbas to reform the Palestinian Authority.

According to Trump's 20-point plan, "while Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully executed, conditions may finally exist for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people."