Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a stark warning to world leaders against allowing "another Nakba" to unfold in the Palestinian territories, demanding concrete action on Palestinian statehood during his address to the United Nations. Speaking with fervent conviction, President Abbas stated unequivocally that Palestinians would not accept displacement from their ancestral lands and would remain steadfast in their homeland, asserting their inherent right to self-determination. "We warn you today, do not allow another Nakba to occur. Do not allow further massacres like those that occurred in 1948," Abbas declared, referencing the profound and traumatic 1948 displacement of Palestinians, an event etched deeply into the collective memory of his people.
He firmly stated, "We will not leave our homeland. We will not accept displacement. And we will not allow anyone to decide our future on our behalf. We decide for ourselves." President Abbas showed that "The Palestinian people will remain on its land. The Palestinian people will not accept displacement, will not accept displacement, and will not disappear." He emphasized that the current situation threatened "the very life and existence of the Palestinian people on their homeland," urging immediate and decisive international intervention to avert further catastrophe. This powerful message was central to his appeal to the global community, noting the existential threats faced by Palestinians. He reiterated that his people would not accept displacement and would remain on their land, a core principle of Palestinian resilience.
Circumstances of the Address
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a pre-recorded address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, a format necessitated after the Palestinian delegation was prevented from traveling to New York. The decision to allow a video address was made following a vote by the UN General Assembly on September 17. This vote granted special permission for President Abbas to address the session remotely, acknowledging the unusual circumstances. The United States denied visas to the Palestinian delegation, directly prompting the need for the pre-recorded format of his speech.
The resolution to allow a video address passed with overwhelming support, garnering 152 votes in favor, with only three votes against, and four abstentions. This significant majority indicated broad international support for the accommodation, showing the global community's recognition of the importance of the Palestinian voice on the international stage.
Abbas condemned the visa restrictions imposed by the United States, accusing Washington of violating its fundamental obligations as the host country of the United Nations. He noted that such actions impeded the ability of member states to participate fully in the international body's proceedings. In his address, Abbas noted that a substantial number of countries, specifically 160 nations, had formally recognized the State of Palestine, noting the considerable international community's stance on Palestinian sovereignty and its aspirations for statehood. He also called for the second phase of the plan to be implemented without further delay, urging immediate action on the path to statehood. This call for prompt implementation reflected a sense of urgency regarding the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Accusations and Demands
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the ongoing conflict in Gaza as "a genocidal war that has created an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe." His speech served as a powerful platform to call for urgent international action to protect Palestinians, bring an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, and ultimately implement a full two-state solution. In his address, Mr. Abbas accused Israeli forces of systematically destroying entire neighborhoods, numerous schools, vital universities, critical hospitals, revered religious sites, and other essential civilian infrastructure within the Gaza Strip. These accusations painted a grim picture of widespread devastation and suffering impacting the civilian population.
Abbas also noted the alarming and accelerating settlement expansion in the West Bank, describing it as a direct threat to the viability of a future Palestinian state. He further accused Israeli settlers of perpetrating systemic violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, detailing incidents that he claimed contributed to an atmosphere of fear and instability. The Palestinian leader questioned how much longer governments around the world would remain silent on the actions of Israel or continue to supply it with weapons that, he asserted, were being used against Palestinians. This query challenged the international community's moral and ethical responsibilities.
Mr. Abbas stated that the Palestinian leadership had welcomed Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, an initiative aimed at addressing various aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He also referenced the Palestinian leadership's positive reception of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which sought to establish a framework for peace. However, he noted with deep disappointment that commitments regarding halting fighting, easing humanitarian suffering, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza, and beginning the key process of reconstruction had not materialized on the ground. This failure to deliver on promises, he argued, exacerbated the suffering of the Palestinian people. Abbas asserted that Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, should be brought under the unified authority of the State of Palestine, emphasizing the indivisibility of these territories as components of a future sovereign state.
President Abbas further accused extremists of attacking Muslim and Christian holy places, specifically mentioning the revered al-Aqsa Mosque, the historic Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the ancient Ibrahimi Mosque. These attacks, he claimed, represented a grave affront to religious freedoms and cultural heritage. He concluded his address by stating that Palestinians would continue to seek peace based on international law, reiterating their commitment to a just and lasting resolution through established legal frameworks.
Vision for Statehood and Future
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated with unwavering conviction that his people would not accept displacement and would remain steadfast on their land. This declaration served as a cornerstone of his address, underlining the Palestinian people's deep connection to their homeland and their refusal to be uprooted. Mr. Abbas articulated his clear and consistent vision for a Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel, with East Jerusalem serving as its undisputed capital. This two-state solution, he emphasized, remained the only viable path to lasting peace and security in the region.
He specifically warned against the proposed E1 settlement plan, which he described as an existential threat to the contiguity of a future Palestinian state. This particular plan, if implemented, would effectively sever the northern West Bank from its southern parts, making the establishment of a geographically cohesive and viable Palestinian state nearly impossible. President Abbas called for urgent action by the Security Council and demanded the full implementation of Resolution 2334, which unequivocally condemns Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories and calls for their cessation.
Abbas praised Britain and 12 other countries for their proactive measures aimed at protecting the two-state solution and banning settlement products from their markets. These actions, he noted, demonstrated a commitment to international law and a tangible effort to support Palestinian rights. He also called on Donald Trump to honor past commitments to prevent the annexation of Palestinian land and to reject any policies that would lead to further displacement of Palestinians. President Abbas asserted that "The Israeli government is withholding more than $6 billion that belong to the Palestinian people," noting a significant financial grievance that further strained relations and impacted the Palestinian Authority's ability to govern effectively.
The Palestinian leader stated that his leadership had successfully completed a full national reform program. This program, he detailed, included significant initiatives aimed at strengthening governance, improving public financial management, enhancing transparency, and implementing strong anti-corruption measures. These reforms were presented as evidence of the Palestinian Authority's commitment to building strong and accountable institutions for a future state. Abbas announced that legislative elections were planned for November 28, signaling a commitment to democratic processes and renewed political legitimacy. He also referenced the long-standing Palestinian demand for the return of refugees under UN Resolution 194, a fundamental right that remains central to Palestinian aspirations for justice. Concluding his remarks, Abbas called for full UN membership for Palestine, asserting its rightful place among the community of sovereign nations.