New york: A Palestinian state can peacefully exist alongside Israel, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated during his address to the UN General Assembly via video link. Speaking on the third day of the General Debate in New York, Abbas emphasized the desire for freedom, security, and peace for Palestinians within an independent and sovereign state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
According to Ghana News Agency, Abbas delivered his address via video after being denied a visa by the US administration to attend the high-level UN gathering in person. His speech followed a wave of recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western countries, prompted by Israel’s recent actions in Gaza City.
In his address, the Palestinian president, who is approaching his 90th birthday in November, accused Israel of committing genocide and war crimes in the Gaza Strip. He also criticized Israel’s settlement activities in the West Bank and the violence against civilians, while warning against the expulsion of Gaza’s population.
Abbas expressed gratitude to global protesters supporting the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the need to distinguish between support for Palestine and anti-Semitism. He stated, “We reject any conflation between solidarity with Palestine and antisemitism.”
Furthermore, Abbas called for the release of all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks and demanded freedom for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. He reiterated that the Palestinian Authority is prepared to govern the Gaza Strip, asserting that the Islamist group Hamas would have no role in the government.
The General Assembly session, which continues until Monday with a break on Sunday, includes speeches from around 150 heads of state and government. The key topics of discussion include the Middle East conflict, Russia’s war against Ukraine, the UN’s financial challenges, and the global political role of the United States. European Council President Ant³nio Costa and the prime ministers of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy were also scheduled to speak on Thursday. Germany is represented by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.