The address by Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, to the U.N. General Assembly was a pivotal moment this week, delivering a strong message from Ramallah via video. Denied entry to the U.S. with his delegation, Abbas seized the virtual stage to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza as “war crimes” and to firmly declare that Palestinians “will not leave our land.” He was flanked by large Palestinian flags and a “State of Palestine” sign, symbolizing his government’s aspirations.
Abbas did not shy away from denouncing the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, stating unequivocally, “These actions don’t represent the Palestinian people.” He expressed the Palestinian Authority’s readiness to assume responsibility for Gaza post-conflict and called on Hamas to disarm, asserting, “We reiterate that we do not want an armed state.”
His speech resonated with an audience largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, especially as the Gaza conflict has been a dominant theme at this year’s General Assembly. A recent conference in France and Saudi Arabia further highlighted the push for Palestinian statehood, with many world leaders recognizing a Palestinian state and criticizing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which Abbas termed a “genocide.”
Significantly, Abbas extended gratitude to the countries that recently recognized Palestinian statehood, reminding the assembly that his authority had acknowledged Israel’s “right to exist” as far back as 1988 and again in 1993. He also challenged Israeli leaders’ calls for territorial expansion, emphasizing that the Gaza Strip is an essential part of a future Palestinian state.
Amidst these strong statements, President Trump had earlier provided assurances to Arab and Muslim-majority leaders that he would not permit Israel to annex the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This commitment, reportedly made during a meeting on the sidelines of the General Assembly, came as Israeli officials, particularly right-wing allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had suggested such annexation in response to international recognition of Palestinian statehood. Netanyahu, however, publicly reiterated his opposition to Palestinian statehood, stating, “There will be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan River.”
Curiously, Abbas refrained from directly criticizing President Trump during his address, despite the U.S. administration’s role in blocking his in-person attendance. This aligns with Abbas’s efforts to mend relations with the American president after past clashes.
Meanwhile, the broader international context included reports of Israel carrying out airstrikes against Houthis in Yemen, following a Houthi drone attack on Eilat. These actions, by the Houthis, are declared to be in solidarity with Palestinians.
Abbas concluded his address with a defiant message: “No matter how much our wounds bleed, and no matter how long this suffering lasts, it will not break our will to live and survive. The dawn of freedom will emerge, and the flag of Palestine will fly high in our skies. Palestine is ours. Jerusalem is the jewel of our heart and our eternal capital. We will not leave our homeland. We will not leave our lands. Our people will remain rooted like the olive trees, firm as the rocks.” His words were met with sustained applause.
The elusive prospect of Palestinian statehood saw a notable boost this week, with ten Western countries, including France, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Belgium, formally recognizing it, joining approximately 150 other nations. This move, however, was opposed by Israel and the United States, who view it as a concession to Hamas. The conflict in Gaza continues to inflict immense suffering, with Gazan officials reporting tens of thousands of casualties.
The situation regarding Abbas’s denied visa itself stems from a long-standing dispute between the U.S. and the U.N. concerning the 1947 Headquarters Agreement, which grants unimpeded access to U.N. invitees. While the U.S. cites national security concerns, the U.N. and legal experts argue that the U.S. is legally obliged to issue such visas. This isn’t the first time the U.S. has denied entry; Yasir Arafat faced a similar situation in 1988. Visa restrictions and delays for delegates from certain countries, such as Russia and Iran, are also not uncommon.
Palestinians, despite international recognition, continue to face a difficult reality, as Israel’s policies in the West Bank are often seen as amounting to de facto annexation. The American plan to end the war, as summarized by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, emphasizes hostage release and a cessation of hostilities, but Hamas’s demands for a permanent end to the war and Israeli withdrawal remain unmet.