Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly, warning that Israel’s policies threaten the existence of Palestinians and undermine the two-state solution. His prerecorded remarks were broadcast on Thursday after the United States denied visas to a Palestinian delegation for the second consecutive year.
Abbas described the current period as one of the most dangerous in Palestinian history, citing violence, destruction, starvation, and displacement. He stated that Israeli forces were erasing Palestinian lives in Gaza, mentioning the destruction of neighborhoods, cities, refugee camps, and institutions.
He labeled Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank as a malicious colonial plan and expressed concern over the forced displacement of Palestinians due to illegal settlements. Abbas urged the international community to support the two-state solution based on international law, emphasizing the need to preserve Palestinian land and protect its inhabitants.
He also mentioned plans for legislative elections on November 28, the first in 20 years, despite skepticism regarding their execution. Abbas noted that Palestinians have not held elections since 2005-2006 when Hamas took control of Gaza.
In response to Abbas's comments, Hamas accused Israel of attempting to derail a ceasefire and a peace process backed by the United States. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated that the group was ready to implement a 15-point roadmap for peace, which includes disarmament and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. However, Qassem claimed that Israel was not meeting its commitments under the ceasefire deal and was escalating attacks on Palestinians.
The uncertainty surrounding the processes to end conflict in Gaza and the occupied West Bank raises concerns that the two-state solution is becoming increasingly unattainable.