Abbas Addresses UN, Cites 'Most Dangerous Moment' for Palestinians

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, delivering a pre-recorded speech from New York. The address was prerecorded because the United States denied entry visas to Abbas and his delegation. Addressing the assembly, Abbas declared that the Palestinian people are facing "one of the most dangerous moments in its history." He specifically cited the situation in Gaza, stating that "our people are subjected to killing, destruction, starvation, expulsion, and genocide by the Israeli occupation forces."

Abbas also commented on the US decision to deny him a visa for the second consecutive year, calling it "unjustified punitive measures." He asserted that the Palestinian leadership has fulfilled its commitments, advanced a comprehensive national reform plan, and remains committed to international law, opposing violence and terrorism while supporting a two-state solution.

"The Palestinian people and their leadership must not be punished for demanding an end to the occupation or for turning to the UN and the International Court of Justice," Abbas stated. He characterized these actions as "not against peace." He urged the US administration to reverse these "punishments and restrictions" and to return to "the language of dialogue and mutual respect."