June 12, 2025

Source: This is the composite translation from multiple sources, French/Arabic, but not one official translation. Caution should be used that this is a composite of the contents of that letter; it may have omissions,  may certainly not be complete.

Introduction 

The letter affirms the Palestine Authority’s (PA) centrality and especially Mahmoud Abbas’s role in the Palestinian political future. The letter focuses on PA  priorities, promises and requests for moving toward a Palestinian state. Sent to an international leader,  the letter’s contents were not negotiated between Israel and the PA. The PA’s preference is not to enter into bilateral discussions with Israel but have instead international sanction and legitimacy for its views and future endorsed by the United Nations or other leaders such as Macron.

Abbas condemns terrorism. He calls for the release of hostages (not ‘all’ is  included) and demilitarization of Hamas. Abbas seeks an end to the Gaza War, provision of humanitarian aid, and ‘withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces,” which could mean from Gaza as well as from the West Bank, with its ambiguity leaving open the promise held by many Palestinians that ending the occupation means as well ending Israel’s presence on any land west of the Jordan River. He promises to hold elections and reform of PA governance.  He does not promise to end the conflict with Israel. The letter was referenced by President Macron in his speech to the United Nations on September 22, 2025, as promises that Abbas made, supporting the establishment of a two state solution, and therefore a Palestinian state, again emanating from a UN platform.

Ken Stein, September 25, 2025

“I would like to begin by expressing the appreciation of the State of Palestine for your leadership. I wish to share with you our vision, our commitments, and our expectations. This conflict will not be solved by more occupation or more violence and terrorism. Only a political solution rooted in justice and international law can prevail. I am determined to ensure that we fully shoulder our responsibilities.

The highest priority is to stop the bloodshed in Gaza. There must be an immediate, comprehensive, and lasting ceasefire; the full opening of all crossings; the delivery of humanitarian aid by the United Nations and relief agencies; the release of hostages and prisoners; and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces.

The State of Palestine must be the sole provider of security on its territory, but it has no intention of being a militarized state. Hamas must hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Security Forces. A peace force mandated by the Security Council should be deployed. We commit to reform, transparency, and holding general elections under international supervision. We seek full international recognition of the State of Palestine.

I commit to reforming the Palestinian Authority, strengthening transparency and institutions. Within one year, under international supervision, we will hold presidential and legislative elections.

I am prepared to invite Arab and international forces, deployed under a mandate from the United Nations Security Council, to take part in a stabilization and protection mission.

We condemn terrorism. We call for the release of hostages, the demilitarization of Hamas, the end of the war in Gaza, reforms, elections, and a just and lasting peace.

Palestine is ready to fully fulfill its part in establishing a credible path to end the occupation and advance toward an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, implementing the two-state solution within a clear timetable and with strong international guarantees.

This is our pledge of hope, courage, and clarity.