Abbas Tells UN Israel's Actions Aim to Expel Palestinians

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, with his pre-recorded speech broadcast after the U.S. denied him and his delegation entry visas. Abbas warned that Israel's actions are destroying the two-state solution and pose a grave danger to the existence of the Palestinian people on their land.

He described the events in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem not as isolated incidents but as part of a "colonialist plan" designed to make Palestinian lives difficult and force their expulsion. Abbas urged the international community to prevent another Nakba, or catastrophe, and to stop what he called settler militias, supported by Israeli security forces, from burning Palestinian homes.

Abbas called for the immediate implementation of the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement, emphasizing it must lead to the unification of the West Bank and Gaza under legitimate Palestinian authority, with one law and one weapon. He also appealed for continued international financial and political support for UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, especially amid attacks against it.

Addressing the PA's internal situation, Abbas stated that reform plans have been completed, strengthening the rule of law, sovereignty, and the economy. He mentioned the establishment of a national social support program, the cancellation of previous laws on the matter, and changes to educational materials to promote peace and tolerance while preserving Palestinian identity.

Abbas reiterated the PA's commitment to peace, security, and coexistence, condemning violence, extremism, terrorism, antisemitism, and racism. He envisioned a democratic, demilitarized Palestinian state that respects the rule of law and lives peacefully alongside Israel. He also protested the U.S. decision to deny him entry for the second consecutive year, calling it an unjustified punitive measure and urging the U.S. administration to reverse its sanctions and return to dialogue.