Abbas Warns of Existential Threat to Palestinians at UN

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared that the Palestinian people are facing one of the most dangerous stages in their history, marked by decades of injustice, displacement, occupation, and denial of self-determination. Speaking via a pre-recorded message at the UN General Assembly, Abbas criticized the US for denying visas to the Palestinian delegation, calling the move illegal punitive action. He urged the US administration to abandon such measures and return to dialogue, advocating for a two-state solution based on international legitimacy to achieve peace.

Abbas warned of a "greater danger coming" that requires international intervention, stating the threat now extends beyond undermining the two-state solution to endangering the very existence of Palestinians in their homeland. He described events in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem as part of a "malicious colonial plan" aimed at making life unbearable for Palestinians and forcing their displacement. He called for preventing a repeat of the 1948 Nakba and condemned Israeli forces protecting settlers who he claimed burn Palestinian homes.

Addressing the US peace plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803 concerning Gaza, Abbas stated that no progress has been made, with Israeli attacks continuing to kill civilians. He stressed that any transitional phase must lead to the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, under Palestinian statehood, not become a permanent open-ended situation.

Abbas emphasized the Palestinian desire for a process that ends the occupation and secures freedom and self-determination, rather than one that merely manages the conflict. He asserted that Palestinians will not accept displacement and that military occupation, settlement expansion, and settler violence cannot bring lasting security. He stated that Palestinians will not passively accept Israeli government decisions.

He outlined a vision for a democratic, non-militarized Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel, respecting the rule of law and human rights. Abbas also called for the immediate release and regular transfer of all funds owed to the Palestinian Authority, lifting financial and economic restrictions, and granting Palestine full UN membership. He thanked countries that have recognized Palestine and urged continued support for UNRWA, noting that Israeli actions against UN facilities in Jerusalem and the West Bank hinder the agency's ability to assist refugees.