Abbas Warns UN: Israel's Policies Threaten Palestinian Existence

Abbas Delivers Stark Warning to UN on Palestinian Existence

During a prerecorded address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas made a direct and urgent appeal to the international community. He warned that Israel's ongoing policies are no longer just undermining the two-state solution—they are actively threatening the very life and existence of Palestinians.

"We are living through one of the most dangerous periods in our history," Abbas said, referencing ongoing Israeli military actions, destruction, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "Every foundation of life has been targeted."

The remarks came after the United States refused to issue visas to a Palestinian delegation for the second consecutive year, effectively preventing their attendance at the General Assembly session. This has led to a renewed sense of isolation for the Palestinian leadership on the global stage.

Historical Context: A Lifeline in Crisis

Abbas's message echoed the long-standing narrative of Palestinian struggle and international advocacy, but also emphasized a critical shift—this is no longer just about territorial disputes. It's a fight for survival. The president noted that Israeli military actions have devastated not only infrastructure but entire communities, with neighborhoods, universities, hospitals, and religious institutions reduced to rubble.

He described the situation in Gaza as a "genocidal war," an extreme characterization that underscores the gravity of current conditions. For many Palestinians, especially those in Gaza, life has become a daily ordeal of displacement, destruction, and starvation.

West Bank and Settlement Expansion

In addition to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Abbas also addressed the occupation of the West Bank, which he characterized as a "malicious colonial plan." He highlighted the continued expansion of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land—a practice widely considered illegal under international law. These actions, according to Abbas, are altering the very realities on the ground, making a two-state solution increasingly unattainable.

He called for immediate action from the international community to uphold the two-state solution based on international law, emphasizing that any transitional period must ultimately lead to the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under one legitimate Palestinian state. He further stressed that the peace process should involve a unified Palestinian armed force—"a single legitimate armed force"—to secure this vision.

The Roadmap for Gaza: A Failing Peace Effort

Abbas's comments coincided with developments within Hamas, which has publicly stated that it is ready to implement a US-backed roadmap aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. This plan includes key measures such as the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian factions, the transfer of administration of Gaza to a Palestinian national committee, and a phased Israeli withdrawal.

However, according to Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem, Israel has failed to uphold its commitments under this ceasefire agreement. "The Board of Peace and its representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, have failed to compel Israel to implement the deal," Qassem said. The group claims it is ready to comply but remains frustrated by Israeli actions that continue to escalate attacks on Palestinian civilians.

Legislative Elections: A Step Toward Renewal

On the domestic front, Abbas also spoke about plans for legislative elections scheduled for November 28. These would mark the first parliamentary elections in over two decades, a significant development considering that the last such vote occurred during the 2005-2006 period when Hamas took control of Gaza.

"We have completed the national reform programme to which we committed ourselves before our people and the international community," Abbas said. While elections are viewed as a potential step toward political renewal, there remains skepticism over whether they will take place amid ongoing conflict and international uncertainty.

Global Response and the Future of Peace

The international community's reaction to Abbas's address has been mixed. While many nations have reiterated their support for a two-state solution, others remain hesitant or divided on how to proceed in light of current developments. The United States' decision to deny visas to the Palestinian delegation has further complicated diplomatic efforts, raising concerns about whether meaningful engagement is possible under these conditions.

As global attention turns to Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Abbas's message serves as a stark reminder of how far the region has fallen from its stated goal of peaceful coexistence. With the two-state solution appearing increasingly out of reach, both Palestinian and international leaders must grapple with a new reality—one where the preservation of Palestinian life itself is at stake.