Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing the urgent need to halt the prolonged conflict in Gaza. He accused Israel of conducting a campaign marked by destruction and displacement, stressing the Palestinian resolve to remain in their homeland. In a recorded address, Abbas highlighted the critical link between achieving justice and liberating Palestine.
Despite being denied a U.S. visa to attend the UN summit alongside 80 other Palestinians, Abbas expressed his willingness to collaborate with global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia, France, and the UN, to implement a Gaza peace plan. This plan, adopted following a conference on September 22, aims to pave the way for a just peace and enhanced regional cooperation.
The UN General Assembly recently endorsed a declaration promoting a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, seeking to end the conflict in Gaza. Abbas outlined his vision for post-war governance, asserting that the Palestinian Authority is prepared to assume full responsibility for governance and security. He made it clear that Hamas would not have a role in governance and would need to relinquish its weapons to the Palestinian authorities.
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to address the UN, Abbas condemned the actions of Hamas, emphasizing that the group does not represent the Palestinian people. Abbas accused Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, a sentiment echoed by a growing number of international experts. Despite denials from Israel, a UN report detailed evidence supporting claims of genocide in Gaza.
Acknowledging recent international recognitions of Palestinian statehood, Abbas called for broader support from world leaders. He stressed that symbolic gestures were insufficient and urged the international community to uphold Palestinian rights and end the occupation. Abbas concluded his speech with a message of hope, affirming the unwavering determination of the Palestinian people to endure and ultimately achieve freedom and dignity.
