In a powerful address to the United Nations General Assembly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas pleafor immediate global action to stop the violence in Gaza. He accused the United States of providing diplomatic and military support to Israel, contributing to the rising death toll in the region. According to Gaza’s health ministry, which is run by Hamas, the death toll has reached a staggering 41,534 as a result of the ongoing conflict.
Abbas urged the world to intervene, emphasizing the dire humanitarian crisis affecting both Gaza and the West Bank.
A Plea to Stop the Violence
Abbas’s speech was a heartfelt appeal to the international community to put an end to what he described as a “crime.” He pleaded for the immediate cessation of violence, particularly the killing of children and women, and denounced what he termed as genocide in Gaza. His message was clear:
“Stop this crime. Stop it now. Stop killing children and women. Stop the genocide. Stop sending weapons to Israel. This madness cannot continue,” Abbas said in his address.
He went on to stress that the entire world bears responsibility for the suffering in Gaza and the West Bank, urging global leaders to take action before more lives are lost.
Displacement and Suffering in Gaza
Abbas highlighted the immense suffering of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents, most of whom have been displaced by the war. Since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7, the majority of the population has been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in school buildings and other temporary shelters. This widespread displacement has exacerbated the already dire living conditions in Gaza, where shortages of food, water, and medical supplies are becoming increasingly severe.
The US Role in the Conflict
A significant portion of Abbas’s speech was directed at the United States, Israel’s closest ally. He accused Washington of enabling Israel’s military actions by providing both diplomatic protection and weapons. The U.S., according to Abbas, has repeatedly used its veto power in the United Nations Security Council to block efforts to censure Israel for its actions in Gaza.
“The US alone stood and said: ‘No, the fighting is going to continue.’ It did this by using the veto,” Abbas said.
By supplying Israel with military aid, the U.S. has, in Abbas’s view, encouraged further aggression, leading to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, including women and children.
Israel’s Place in the United Nations
Abbas also questioned Israel’s membership in the United Nations, given its defiance of numerous UN resolutions. He argued that Israel, by refusing to comply with international mandates, has shown that it does not deserve to be part of the world body.
“Israel, which refuses to implement United Nations resolutions, does not deserve to be a member in this international organization,” Abbas stated.
He condemned Israel’s continued aggression, suggesting that its actions were in violation of the principles upon which the UN was founded.
The Context of Abbas’s Speech
Abbas’s remarks came just months after the United Nations General Assembly voted to grant the State of Palestine full membership in the international organization. This symbolic victory for Palestine gave Abbas the opportunity to sit alongside the Palestinian delegation in the General Assembly, a powerful statement in itself.
As world leaders began their speeches, Abbas used his platform to advocate for the Palestinian people and to highlight the devastating impact of the war in Gaza. His message was not only directed at Israel and the United States but also at the entire international community, urging collective responsibility and immediate intervention.
Israel’s Response to Abbas
Israel quickly responded to Mahmoud Abbas Plea at UN, accusing him of failing to address the actions of Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. Israel’s right-wing government has long sought to isolate the Palestinian Authority, which it views as ineffective and unwilling to condemn Hamas’s violence.
By not explicitly condemning Hamas, Abbas opened himself up to criticism from those who argue that the militant group bears responsibility for much of the violence in Gaza. However, Abbas’s focus was on the broader context of the conflict and the humanitarian crisis that has resulted from it.
Conclusion: A Call for Global Responsibility
Mahmoud Abbas plea at the United Nations was a powerful call to action, urging the international community to stop the violence in Gaza and hold Israel accountable for its actions. His accusations against the United States for providing weapons and diplomatic cover to Israel highlight the complexity of the conflict and the role that global powers play in either exacerbating or alleviating the suffering in the region.
Abbas’s plea for the cessation of violence, particularly the killing of civilians, reflects the deep frustration and despair felt by many Palestinians living under occupation and siege. While Israel and its allies may criticize his failure to condemn Hamas, Abbas’s message was clear: the international community must act now to stop the bloodshed and bring about a just and lasting peace for the Palestinian people.
The conflict in Gaza remains one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the world today, and the global response to Abbas’s call for action will be crucial in determining the future of the region.
