Abbas’ advisor: Hamas’ handing over government in Gaza is “a joke” and “deception”

Posted text: "Dr. Mahmoud Al-Habbash responds via Al-Arabiya to Hamas' declaration of dissolving its government in Gaza: The solution is the return of national legitimacy"

Al-Arabiya TV host: "Do you think what Hamas did today (i.e., dissolving its government in Gaza) is a sufficient or lacking decision?"

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' Advisor on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Al-Habbash: "In reality, all this nonsense has no value."

Host: "Nonsense?

Al-Habbash: "Yes, it's a Hamas committee handing over [the reins] to a Hamas committee. Is this a joke? Is this an attempt to mock people's feelings? ... It's an attempt at deception and a maneuver."

Host: "Why?"

Al-Habbash: "To buy time."

[Mahmoud Al-Habbash, YouTube channel, July 7, 2026]