Mahmoud Abbas Addresses UNGA: Calls for End to Gaza War, Rejects Hamas, Slams Israeli Occupation

Abbas's Address to the UN General Assembly

• 🇵🇸 Mahmoud Abbas delivered a video address to the UNGA, outlining the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as a "war of genocide, destruction, starvation, and displacement" waged by Israeli occupation forces.
• 💔 He detailed the immense casualties, displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and the prevention of essential aid, labeling Israel's actions as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Rejection of Hamas and Israeli Policies

• 🚫 Abbas explicitly rejected the actions of Hamas on October 7th, stating they do not represent the Palestinian people or their struggle for freedom and independence.
• 🏘️ He condemned Israel's illegal settlement expansion, particularly the E1 plan, and the broader Israeli prime minister's plan for "greater Israel," viewing them as violations of international law and undermining the two-state solution.
• ⚔️ The address also highlighted the escalating violence by settlers against Palestinian civilians and attacks on religious sites, often under the protection of the Israeli army.

Path Forward for Palestine

• 🏛️ Abbas affirmed Palestine's readiness to assume full responsibility for governance and security in the Gaza Strip, integrating it with the West Bank under the Palestinian National Authority, and called for Hamas to hand over weapons.
• 🤝 He urged all nations to recognize the State of Palestine and support its full membership in the United Nations, thanking countries that have already done so.
• 🕊️ Abbas reiterated the call for an immediate and permanent end to the war in Gaza, unconditional humanitarian aid, release of all hostages and prisoners, and a complete withdrawal of the occupation.

Vision for a Just Peace

• ⚖️ The core message emphasized that peace cannot be achieved without justice, and justice requires a free Palestine.
• 🗺️ Abbas reiterated the vision for an independent, sovereign state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting peacefully with its neighbors.
• 💪 He concluded with a message of steadfastness and hope, vowing to continue the peaceful, legal, and diplomatic fight for Palestinian rights and the eventual raising of the Palestinian flag as a symbol of freedom and dignity.