Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a powerful address to the United Nations General Assembly from Ramallah on Thursday, strongly condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza as ‘war crimes.’ He emphatically stated that the Palestinian people would never abandon their homeland, a sentiment that resonated throughout his speech.
Speaking via video link from Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, after his delegation was denied U.S. visas, Abbas also condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. He asserted unequivocally that ‘These actions don’t represent the Palestinian people,’ distinguishing the Palestinian populace from the militant group.
Abbas confirmed the Palestinian Authority’s readiness to assume responsibility for Gaza’s governance post-war, explicitly stating that Hamas would have no role in its future administration. He urged Hamas to disarm, emphasizing, ‘We reiterate that we do not want an armed state,’ underscoring a vision for a demilitarized Palestinian entity.
Addressing an audience largely supportive of his goals, Abbas — whose authority governs parts of the West Bank and views itself as the legitimate future government of a Palestinian state — highlighted the global focus on the Gaza conflict at this year’s General Assembly. Discussions about Palestinian statehood notably took precedence at a recent conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.
A recurring theme among world leaders’ speeches has been the recognition of Palestinian statehood and strong criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has tragically resulted in 65,000 deaths and displaced over a million people. Calls for an immediate end to Palestinian suffering echoed, with Abbas himself characterizing Israel’s actions in the territory as ‘genocide.’
Abbas extended gratitude to the nations that recently acknowledged Palestinian statehood, reminding the assembly that the Palestinian Authority had recognized Israel’s right to exist as far back as 1988 and again in 1993. He also condemned certain Israeli leaders’ calls for territorial expansion, asserting that the Gaza Strip is unequivocally a core component of the future state of Palestine.
In response to the growing recognition of Palestinian statehood, Israeli officials had hinted at potentially annexing portions of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. However, President Trump reportedly reassured leaders from Arab and Muslim-majority nations this week that he would oppose any such annexation of West Bank territory, according to sources close to the discussions.
Emphasizing resilience, Abbas declared that despite immense suffering, Palestinians would remain in Gaza and dedicate themselves to rebuilding their land. ‘It will not break our will to survive,’ he affirmed, concluding with the powerful statement: ‘Palestine is ours.’
The Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Saar, quickly countered Abbas’s speech, dismissing it as mere rhetoric intended to placate Western audiences. On X (formerly Twitter), Saar asserted, ‘Israel will not be deceived once again.’ Similarly, the Israeli prime minister’s office posted on social media that ‘The shameful capitulation of some leaders to Palestinian terror does not obligate Israel in any way. There will be no Palestinian state,’ signaling a firm rejection of Abbas’s stance.
Abbas has held the presidency of the Palestinian Authority since 2005, despite being elected for a four-year term. His tenure has been marked by a consolidation of power, the marginalization of political adversaries, and a suppression of dissent by security forces, as he has consistently postponed elections that could challenge his leadership. Public opinion polls indicate widespread desire among Palestinians for his resignation.
Despite these internal dynamics, the week saw significant movement toward the long-sought goal of Palestinian statehood. Ten Western nations, including France, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Belgium, officially recognized Palestine, adding to approximately 150 countries that had previously done so.
Both Israel and the United States, however, voiced strong opposition to these recognitions, arguing they effectively rewarded Hamas. Hamas initiated the Gaza conflict with its 2023 attack on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of around 250 individuals. Gaza’s health authorities report over 64,000 fatalities within the enclave during subsequent Israeli military operations, figures that encompass both combatants and civilians without distinction.