Abbas Addresses UN General Assembly Via Zoom, Cites Gaza Crisis and Two-State Solution

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered his address to the United Nations General Assembly via Zoom for the second consecutive year, citing U.S. visa restrictions as the reason for his inability to attend in person. Abbas addressed the ongoing developments in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, outlining the Palestinian Authority's stance on the two-state solution, the future of Gaza, and relations with the U.S. and Israel.

During his speech, Abbas condemned the situation in Gaza, describing it as "genocidal war" involving killing, destruction, and starvation, and accused Israel of "state terrorism" in the West Bank and East Jerusalem through settlement expansion and settler violence. He warned that these Israeli actions undermine the possibility of a two-state solution and urged the international community to intervene.

Abbas called on the United States to work with the international community to implement the two-state solution based on international legitimacy, stating it would ensure peace. He also mentioned the Palestinian welcome of former President Trump's peace plan, though he expressed disappointment with its lack of implementation. He stressed the need for Gaza and the West Bank to be unified within a single state with a single legitimate weapon.

Furthermore, Abbas demanded the immediate release of over $6 billion in Palestinian funds held by Israel, warning that the E1 settlement plan would fragment the West Bank and prevent a Palestinian state. He reiterated the Palestinian desire for a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside Israel, emphasizing the Palestinian people's right to remain on their land and rejecting displacement. He also renewed calls for the right of return for refugees and for East Jerusalem to be the capital of a Palestinian state, advocating for full UN membership for Palestine.