Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a video message during the United Nations General Assembly, expressing gratitude to Australia and other nations for acknowledging Palestinian statehood. Despite being denied a visa to attend the UN in person due to restrictions from the United States, Abbas used his address to highlight the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinian people.
Abbas pointed out that there have been “more than 1,000 resolutions” adopted by various UN bodies over the years regarding Palestinian rights, many of which remain unimplemented. He stated, “There have been many efforts and many international initiatives without reaching an end to this tragic situation, and the Palestinian people are living under the yoke of occupation.” His remarks come as Palestine remains a focal point during this year’s UN High-Level Week in New York.
The UN General Assembly approved Abbas’s pre-recorded message after member nations voted to allow him to address the conference remotely. As he spoke, violence continued in Gaza City, with reports of a “sharp increase” in civilian casualties over the past week, according to the UN Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Call for Global Action
In his address, Abbas condemned what he described as the “extremist Israeli government,” accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza. This assertion was backed by a recent report from a UN commission of inquiry. He also criticized the “terrorism of settlers” in the West Bank, which he argues undermines the international community’s efforts to establish a Palestinian state. “What Israel is carrying out is not merely an aggression, it is a war crime and a crime against humanity that is both documented and monitored,” he stated through a translator.
Earlier in the week, Australia, along with nine other Western nations, announced its decision to officially recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, a significant shift after decades of reluctance. Abbas expressed his appreciation for this “noble position” and thanked those who have protested globally in support of Palestinian rights. He emphasized the Palestinian Authority’s willingness to collaborate with US President Donald Trump, France, Saudi Arabia, and the UN to implement a peace plan endorsed by the General Assembly.
The “New York Declaration,” which outlines steps toward a two-state solution, received backing from 142 of the UN’s 193 member states earlier this month. In contrast, Israel, the United States, and eight other countries voted against it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address the UN later this week, potentially responding to Abbas’s remarks.
Urgency for Change
Abbas concluded his message with a powerful statement, urging the international community to take decisive action for the Palestinian people. “The time has come for the international community to do right by the Palestinian people. Palestine is ours. We will not leave our homeland. We will not leave our lands,” he declared.
The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza continue to evoke strong reactions worldwide, and Abbas’s call for action seeks to galvanize support for Palestinians amid this challenging landscape. His speech serves as a reminder of the persistent struggle for recognition and rights that remains central to the Palestinian narrative.
