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Palestinian Authority's UN Statement
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly via video, declaring the Palestinian Authority's readiness to govern Gaza and explicitly excluding Hamas from any future leadership role.
“Abbas called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.”
Abbas condemned the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, distancing the Palestinian people from these actions, and called for Hamas to disarm.
He described Israel's military actions in Gaza as a "war of genocide," accusing Israel of committing war crimes and causing widespread destruction and displacement.
Abbas emphasized the need for international intervention to end the Israeli occupation and support Palestinian sovereignty.
Abbas's UN Speech on Gaza Crisis
Abbas's speech at the UN highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed due to Israeli military actions.
He accused Israel of committing genocide and called for the international community to take meaningful action beyond symbolic recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Abbas thanked countries like France, the UK, and Canada for recognizing Palestine but stressed that these gestures are insufficient without concrete steps to end the occupation and support Palestinian sovereignty.
Palestinian Authority and Gaza Control
Abbas reiterated the Palestinian Authority's readiness to assume full governance and security control of Gaza, excluding Hamas.
“Abbas positioned the Palestinian Authority as a responsible alternative to Hamas.”
He insisted that Hamas must disarm.
Abbas positioned the Palestinian Authority as a responsible alternative to Hamas, emphasizing the need for a unified Palestinian governance structure.
His call for Hamas's disarmament and exclusion from future governance reflects ongoing tensions between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.
Hamas continues to control Gaza and refuses to disarm.
International Reactions to Abbas's UN Speech
The international response to Abbas's speech was mixed, with some countries applauding his call for Palestinian sovereignty and others dismissing his accusations against Israel.
Abbas's speech highlighted the deep international divisions over the Gaza conflict, with the US and Israel opposing his in-person attendance at the UN while most UN members supported his remote address.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to speak at the UN following Abbas, likely to counter his accusations and reinforce Israel's stance against Palestinian statehood.