Full Breakdown
Mahmoud Abbas Condemns Israel's Actions in UN Speech
9/28/2025, 12:52:26 AM
Abbas' Accusations Against Israel
Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, delivered a significant speech to the United Nations, condemning Israel's actions in Gaza as a "war of genocide." Speaking via video link from Ramallah after being denied a visa by the United States, Abbas characterized Israel's military operations as war crimes and crimes against humanity. He stated, “What Israel is carrying out is not merely an aggression. It is a war crime and a crime against humanity that is both documented and monitored.” Abbas called for an immediate ceasefire, the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Abbas also addressed the contentious issue of Hamas, asserting that the group would not have a role in the governance of Gaza post-conflict. He emphasized the Palestinian Authority's readiness to assume responsibility for Gaza, stating, “We do not want an armed state.” This assertion comes amid ongoing tensions between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, particularly following the latter's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties.
International Reactions and Support for Palestinian Statehood
Abbas's speech coincided with a growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood, with ten Western countries, including France, Britain, and Canada, formally acknowledging it. This recognition has been met with opposition from Israel and the United States, who argue that it rewards Hamas for its violent actions. Israeli officials have suggested that such moves could lead to annexation of parts of the West Bank, a prospect that President Donald Trump has publicly stated he would oppose.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed confidence that the U.S. would restrain Israel from annexing West Bank territories, labeling it a "red line." Macron also condemned the violence in Gaza, emphasizing the need for humanitarian access and the protection of all lives.
Criticism and Opposition
In response to Abbas's claims regarding Hamas, the group rejected his assertion that it would not govern Gaza after the war, calling it an infringement on the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. Hamas spokesperson Ghazi Hamad reiterated the group's commitment to armed resistance, stating, “What do you expect for the Palestinian to do, just to keep silent?” He emphasized that negotiations for a ceasefire are currently stalled, blaming Israel for the deadlock.
Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, dismissed Abbas's remarks as empty rhetoric aimed at appeasing Western audiences, asserting that Israel would not be deceived again.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What Israel is carrying out is not merely an aggression.” — Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority
- “These actions don’t represent the Palestinian people.” — Mahmoud Abbas on Hamas
- “Israel will not be deceived once again.” — Gideon Saar, Israeli Foreign Minister
- “What do you expect for the Palestinian to do, just to keep silent and all the world is watching the suffering of the Palestinian people and doing nothing?” — Ghazi Hamad, Hamas negotiator
Conclusion
Abbas's speech at the United Nations highlights the ongoing complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in the context of the recent violence in Gaza. As international recognition of Palestinian statehood grows, the dynamics between the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, and Israel remain fraught with tension and disagreement. The future of governance in Gaza and the broader implications for peace in the region continue to be uncertain.
