Gaza Crisis Takes Center Stage at UNGA as Abbas and Netanyahu Trade Bars

The ongoing conflict in Gaza dominated the agenda at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered their respective addresses on September 24, 2026.

Abbas, who appeared via video link after the United States denied visas to the Palestinian delegation—a move he condemned as “unlawful and punitive”—urged the international community to revive the two-state solution. He called for the establishment of a non-militarized, democratic Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting peacefully alongside Israel.

“The Palestinian people will not be displaced by military occupation, nor settlement expansion, annexation, nor settler terrorism,” Abbas stated. He emphasized that lasting security cannot be built on the denial of another people’s rights and thanked the 160 nations that have recognized Palestinian statehood, calling for Palestine’s full inclusion in the United Nations.

In his address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently denied accusations of genocide, labeling them “the greatest lie of the century.” Speaking before a partially empty chamber following a walkout by numerous delegates, Netanyahu argued that Israel had acted to prevent a genocide orchestrated by Hamas.

“What genocidal regime gives a million polio vaccinations to the enemy’s population? What genocidal regime enables the distribution of 2 million tons of food into Gaza?” Netanyahu asked. He accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields and utilizing hospitals and schools for terrorist operations, while highlighting Israel’s efforts to warn civilians and facilitate aid.

Netanyahu also targeted New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of spreading antisemitism and making Jewish residents feel unsafe. He further referenced his 2012 UNGA appearance, where he drew a red line against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that striking Iran’s nuclear facilities was one of the easiest decisions of his prime ministership because it protected both Israel and the world.

The Israeli leader also addressed Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s demands for Israeli troop withdrawals from the Golan Heights, asserting historical Jewish ties to the area dating back to biblical times.

Outside the UN headquarters, protests erupted, with some demonstrators arrested by police. Among them was Brad Lander, a Democratic nominee for New York’s 10th congressional district, who joined the protest in business attire.

In other developments on the sidelines of the assembly, Nigeria and the United States signed a framework deal to boost American investment in Nigeria’s mining sector. Nigerian Minister for Solid Minerals Dele Alake announced the agreement, emphasizing the need for local processing and job creation rather than merely exporting raw materials.