On Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a powerful video address to the UN General Assembly, accusing Israel of waging a 'war of genocide' in the Gaza Strip. He described the campaign as one of the most horrific humanitarian tragedies of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Abbas detailed nearly two years of violence, saying more than 220,000 Palestinians—mostly unarmed women, children and elderly—have been killed or injured. He highlighted reports of destruction, starvation and mass displacement, warning that these crimes will stain the pages of international conscience.
The president also condemned ongoing settlement expansion in the West Bank, labeling plans for a 'greater Israel' as a serious threat to the two-state solution. 'We reject and completely deplore' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's settlement policy, he said, while pointing to rising 'terrorism of settlers.'
At the same time, Abbas condemned the October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas, stressing they do not represent the Palestinian people or their legitimate pursuit of freedom. He reaffirmed that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the State of Palestine and pledged that the Palestinian Authority is ready to take full responsibility for governance and security there—excluding any role for Hamas.
On the ground, Israeli troops pressed deeper into Gaza City as Netanyahu prepared to address the General Assembly. According to Gaza health authorities, at least 65,419 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.
As global attention turns to the UN, calls for renewed efforts toward a peaceful two-state solution are growing louder. For many young global citizens, activists and policymakers, Abbas's speech underscores the urgent need for dialogue, humanitarian access and a clear path to lasting peace.
Reference(s):
Abbas: Israel's Gaza war among most horrific of 20th, 21st centuries
cgtn.com
