Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas has reportedly demanded that the PA be included in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, especially discussions involving long-term security arrangements and the return of hostages held by Hamas, according to N12.

Axar.az, citing JP, reports that backed by Saudi Arabia, Abbas argues the PA must have a role, particularly if it's expected to govern parts of Gaza in the future.

The U.S. has not officially responded, though it's expected to consider some form of PA involvement.

Abbas has taken contradictory positions: on one hand, he condemned Hamas and urged them to surrender control of Gaza and release hostages, using harsh language in an April speech. On the other hand, he and his aides have defended the October 7 Hamas attacks, with senior adviser Mahmoud al-Habbash calling them “legitimate resistance” in a March interview.

In June, Abbas also sent a letter to an international conference seeking to push forward the two-state solution.