Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority, strongly criticized Israel and its military offensive in the Gaza Strip during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly. He described the Israeli actions as a “genocidal war” and called for other countries to intervene and halt what he referred to as the complete destruction of Gaza and its people.
Speaking before world leaders, Abbas condemned Israel for the devastation inflicted upon Gaza following the attacks by Hamas in October 2023, which led to a significant Israeli military response. He asserted that the situation in Gaza had become uninhabitable due to Israel’s actions and proposed that his government should govern the region as part of an independent Palestinian state, a proposition that Israel’s leadership rejects.
Abbas, who has struggled to exert influence in Gaza since Hamas seized control in 2007, emphasized his commitment to Palestine, stating, “Palestine is our homeland. It will remain ours. And if anyone were to leave, it would be the occupying usurpers.” He received applause and support from some attendees during his address.
While Abbas called for international intervention and support for Palestinian sovereignty, Israel maintained that its military operations were necessary for self-defense and security. The United States has suggested a future role for a reformed Palestinian Authority in Gaza, but Israel has expressed skepticism about Abbas’s reliability as a partner in the peace process.
In response to the allegations of genocide, Israel has vehemently denied the accusations, underscoring the complex and deeply rooted tensions between the two sides. The international community, including South Africa, has been closely monitoring the situation, with South Africa even pursuing a genocide case against Israel at the United Nations’ top court.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine remains a contentious issue on the global stage, with both sides asserting their claims to the land and seeking support for their respective narratives and objectives. The impassioned plea by Mahmoud Abbas at the U.N. General Assembly reflects the ongoing strife and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address the long-standing conflict.