Abbas Warns UN of Israeli Plan to Force Palestinian Displacement

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday via a pre-recorded video, calling for progress toward a two-state solution and warning of Israeli actions aimed at forcing Palestinians to leave their homeland. Abbas's prerecorded speech was shown after the U.S. denied him and his delegation entry visas.

"We have long warned that Israeli measures are undermining the two-state solution, and this is what is happening now," Abbas stated. He cautioned the international community of a greater looming danger requiring global intervention, emphasizing that the threat extends beyond the two-state solution to the very existence of the Palestinian people on their land.

Abbas described the events in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem as part of a "colonial plan" to make Palestinian life unbearable and drive them into forced displacement. He urged the prevention of a new Nakba, referencing the 1948 displacement, and called for an end to settler violence against Palestinians. He questioned the continued international silence and arms provision to Israel.

He also called for the immediate implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, stressing that any transitional phase must have a political horizon leading to the unification of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem under the legitimate Palestinian Authority, adhering to the principle of "one people, one law, one weapon." Abbas further appealed for continued financial and political support for UNRWA.

Regarding the Palestinian Authority, Abbas asserted the completion of a reform program, enhanced rule of law, sovereignty, and economic conditions. He mentioned a national social support program and curriculum revisions promoting peace, tolerance, and Palestinian identity. Abbas affirmed the Palestinian commitment to peace, security, and opposition to harming civilians, extremism, terrorism, antisemitism, and racism. He advocated for a democratic, demilitarized Palestinian state that respects the rule of law and coexists peacefully with Israel.

Abbas also addressed the U.S. decision to deny him entry for the second consecutive year, calling the measures "unjustified punitive actions" and rejecting the accusations. He reiterated the Palestinian commitment to international law, opposition to violence and terrorism, and support for the two-state solution, urging the U.S. administration to reverse the restrictions and return to dialogue and mutual respect.