Abbas Warns UN of Existential Threat to Palestinians

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly via a pre-recorded video message on Thursday, stating that the entire world is witnessing the "enormous price" paid by Gaza and the West Bank. His speech was prerecorded because the U.S. administration denied him an entry visa.

Abbas questioned the international community's inaction in protecting the Palestinian people, highlighting the accelerating expansion of Israeli settlements and the fragmentation of the West Bank, while Jerusalem becomes "isolated." He asserted that Israeli policies, which violate international law, are destroying the two-state solution, a warning previously issued to the UN General Assembly and Security Council.

He further warned of a greater future danger, beyond undermining the two-state solution, which threatens the very existence of the Palestinian people in their homeland. Abbas described the current period as one of the most dangerous in Palestinian history, stemming from decades of injustice, displacement, seeking refuge, occupation, and denial of self-determination, freedom, and independence.

Regarding Gaza, Abbas spoke of "destruction, starvation, and attempts at expulsion," accusing Israel of committing "genocidal war" and creating an "unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe" through the destruction of neighborhoods, cities, hospitals, schools, and universities.

Abbas also condemned the U.S. administration's denial of a visa to the Palestinian delegation for the second consecutive year, calling it a "terrible punitive measure" and a violation of the UN's host country obligations. He urged the U.S. to lift sanctions, return to dialogue based on mutual respect, and work with the international community to implement the two-state solution based on international legitimacy, supporting those who choose international law and diplomacy over punishment.