Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas issued a stark warning to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, stating that Israel’s policies now endanger the “very life and existence” of the Palestinian people. His remarks, delivered via a prerecorded address from Ramallah, came after the United States denied visas to a Palestinian delegation for the second consecutive year, forcing Abbas to appear remotely.
Describing the current era as one of the “most dangerous periods” in Palestinian history, Abbas cited widespread killing, destruction, starvation, and attempts at displacement. He characterized the conflict in Gaza as a “genocidal war” that has produced an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, noting that Israeli forces are systematically erasing Palestinian life.
Abbas detailed the extensive damage to infrastructure, including neighborhoods, cities, refugee camps, schools, universities, hospitals, and places of worship. He argued that every foundation of daily life and the future of entire generations has been targeted. Additionally, he condemned Israeli activities in the occupied West Bank as a “malicious colonial plan,” pointing to the illegal construction of settlements that are altering realities on the ground and pushing Palestinians toward forced displacement.
Calling on the international community to act, Abbas urged the implementation of a two-state solution grounded in international law to ensure security for all. He emphasized that preserving the land designated for a future Palestinian state is the first step toward saving the solution, adding that Palestinians are capable of living alongside Israel. He further stated that any transitional period must ultimately lead to the reunification of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under a single Palestinian state with one legitimate armed force.
On the domestic front, Abbas announced that legislative elections are scheduled for November 28, marking the first such vote in two decades. This declaration comes despite skepticism regarding whether the polls will proceed, given that Palestinians have not held legislative or presidential elections since 2005-2006, a period when Hamas assumed control of Gaza. Abbas claimed that the Palestinian Authority has completed its national reform program.
Meanwhile, tensions remained high regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. Hamas accused Israel on Thursday of attempting to sabotage a ceasefire and a peace process led by the US-backed Board of Peace. Hazem Qassem, a Hamas spokesperson, stated that the group was fully prepared to implement a 15-point roadmap that includes the disarmament of Palestinian factions, the transfer of Gaza’s administration to a national committee, and a phased Israeli withdrawal.
Qassem asserted that Israel was refusing to honor its commitments and was escalating attacks on Palestinians. He criticized the Board of Peace and its high representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, for failing to compel Israel to adhere to the deal. With both the ceasefire process and the broader path to a two-state solution appearing increasingly uncertain, the outlook for peace in the region remains bleak.
The scale of destruction described is horrifying. When will the world move beyond statements and enforce real protection for civilians?
Will the November elections actually happen? Holding polls in such chaos seems like political theater rather than a genuine path to stability.
Another empty warning? Without concrete sanctions, these rhetoric-filled UN speeches change nothing on the ground for the people in Gaza.
It is deeply concerning that Abbas had to deliver this address remotely due to denied visas. The silence from the international community speaks volumes.