United Nations: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas addressed world leaders via video on Thursday after the United States revoked his visa. He condemned the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and pledged that the militant group would have no role in governing Gaza once the war ends, stating that Hamas must hand over its weapons to his administration. Speaking directly to his people, Abbas said, “The dawn of freedom will emerge.”

How does Abbas describe the situation in Gaza?

Abbas told the UN General Assembly that Palestinians in Gaza “have been facing a war of genocide, destruction, starvation and displacement” by Israel. His speech precedes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s in-person address on Friday.

What is Abbas’ position on a Palestinian state?

In his speech, Abbas reiterated his vision for a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza alongside Israel. While this two-state solution has recently gained support from several countries, including France, the UK, and Canada, Abbas acknowledged that it seems further than ever from reality. Netanyahu’s government has rejected the creation of a Palestinian state, with Israeli troops controlling most of Gaza and some ministers advocating for annexation of the West Bank.

“There can be no justice if Palestine is not freed,” Abbas said.

What role does Abbas want the Palestinian authority to play?

Abbas emphasised that the Palestinian Authority is “ready to bear full responsibility for governance and security” in Gaza.

He added, “Hamas will have no role to play in governance,” and said the group must hand over its weapons to Palestinian authorities.

While Hamas has agreed to step down from power in Gaza, the group has refused Israeli demands to disarm, arguing it has a right to resist occupation.

How does Abbas respond to Israel’s campaign?

Abbas described Israel’s military campaign as “not merely an aggression, it is a war crime and a crime against humanity.” Experts around the world have increasingly accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, though Israel denies this and blames Hamas for the violence.

How does Abbas view international recognition?

Abbas thanked countries that have recognised Palestinian statehood and expressed hope for peace. He welcomed announcements from France, the U.K., and Canada and urged the remaining few dozen nations to follow suit. However, he stressed that recognition alone is not enough.

“The time has come for the international community to do right by the Palestinian people, so that they may obtain their rights for their legitimate rights to be rid of the occupation and to not remain a hostage to the temperament of Israeli politics, which denies our rights and continue in their injustice, oppression and aggression,” Abbas said.

What message did Abbas give to Palestinians?

Before concluding his speech, Abbas shared words of hope: “Its results will not break our will to live and survive.”

He added, “The dawn of freedom will emerge, and the flag of Palestine will fly high in our skies as a symbol of dignity, steadfastness and being free from the occupation. We will not leave our homeland. We will not leave our lands.”

What is the current situation in Gaza?

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel’s campaign has killed more than 65,000 people and injured over 167,000. Around half of the fatalities are women and children. More than 90 percent of housing has been destroyed, most of the population of over 2 million has been displaced, and famine has been declared in northern Gaza.

The violence began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Forty-eight captives remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed by Israel to still be alive.

AP inputs