Abbas meets Meloni in Rome and reaffirms his commitment to keeping Hamas away from power in Gaza.

The President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, met on Friday in the Italian capital, Rome, with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, in a high-level meeting during which a guard of honor was presented.

President Abbas discussed with Meloni the enhancement of bilateral relations and the latest developments on the Palestinian scene. During the meeting, President Abbas reaffirmed the full commitment to the internal reform plan, reiterating that armed factions, including Hamas, will have no role in governing the Gaza Strip in the future, in light of the efforts to establish the principle of one state and one law.

President Abbas reviewed with Meloni the latest field developments, including ongoing efforts to solidify the ceasefire, deliver aid, and release hostages and prisoners, calling for the completion of the Israeli withdrawal from the sector so that the State of Palestine can assume its full responsibilities over it.

He emphasized his comprehensive commitment to all reforms aimed at strengthening a non-armed democratic Palestinian state, outlining the plan which includes: holding elections within one year after the end of the war, issuing a temporary constitution and laws for parties and elections, promoting a culture of peace, and transferring the weapons of all armed factions to the state.

The President firmly stressed that Hamas will have no role in governing the Gaza Strip, to uphold the principle of one authority and one legitimate weapon. He also addressed the difficult economic situation due to Israel's withholding of tax revenues and the escalation in the West Bank, which included the continued terrorism of settlers and attacks on holy sites.