United Nations (AP) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke to world leaders via video, as his visa was denied by the United States. Abbas condemned the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, asserting that Hamas would not govern Gaza after the conflict ends. He encouraged his people, saying, “The dawn of freedom will emerge.”
In his address at the U.N. General Assembly, Abbas described the dire situation for Palestinians in Gaza, facing devastation and starvation due to Israeli actions. This speech coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading to New York for his own address.
Abbas emphasized a long-held vision for a Palestinian state in both the West Bank and Gaza. Recently, several nations recognized Palestine as a state, reflecting shifts in international support. However, the situation remains complicated, as Netanyahu’s government is against the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The ongoing conflict raises questions about justice, with Abbas stating, “There can be no justice if Palestine is not freed.” He highlighted how most of Gaza is under Israeli control, and Netanyahu has made it clear that his government will maintain security oversight after Hamas is defeated. Some Israeli officials even advocate for annexing parts of the West Bank.
In a succinct 20-minute speech, Abbas aimed to position his administration as a viable alternative to Hamas, urging for cooperative governance post-war. He claimed the Palestinian Authority is ready to take full responsibility in Gaza, insisting that Hamas must disarm.
This rivalry between Abbas’ Fatah faction and Hamas goes back many years. Since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007, attempts to reconcile have largely failed, leading many Palestinians to view Abbas’ leadership as ineffective and corrupt.
Abbas labeled Israel’s actions as “a war crime and a crime against humanity.” Experts worldwide increasingly support claims of genocide concerning the ongoing violence, although Israel attributes the chaos to Hamas.
He expressed gratitude towards global leaders who have supported Palestinians during this crisis. Recognitions of statehood from France, the U.K., and Canada have lent hope, yet Abbas stressed that symbolic gestures are insufficient. He called for substantial action from the international community to uphold Palestinian rights and eliminate occupation.
Before concluding, Abbas rallied his people with a message of resilience. He stated that despite suffering, Palestinians will not abandon their homeland.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in over 65,000 fatalities and widespread destruction, with nearly all housing heavily damaged. The situation has led to severe humanitarian crises, including famine in northern Gaza.
This escalating conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, and the ramifications are far-reaching. As Abbas stated, “The dawn of freedom will emerge, and the flag of Palestine will fly high in our skies.”
For more insights into the situation, see the latest from AP News.
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Mahmoud Abbas, Benjamin Netanyahu, General news, Israel, Gaza Strip, 2024-2025 Mideast Wars, Israel-Hamas war, Hamas, Israel government, MIDEAST WARS, United Nations General Assembly, World news, Genocide, United Nations, Humanitarian crises, Palestinian territories government, Politics
