Palestinian President Abbas Calls for Immediate End to War in Gaza

Kokcha News Agency: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, unable to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in person due to a visa revocation by the United States, addressed the 80th session of the UNGA via teleconference. Abbas called for an immediate end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and demanded that humanitarian aid be allowed into the territory without preconditions.

Abbas condemned Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza and called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. He also rejected Israel’s plans for forced displacement and annexation, as well as the ongoing attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian citizens and holy sites.

“As long as there is no justice, there can be no peace, and Palestine cannot achieve justice until it is free,” Abbas declared.

The Palestinian president expressed readiness to take over governance in Gaza with Arab and international support, emphasizing that the Palestinian Authority is prepared to implement a reconstruction and rehabilitation plan for the war-torn territory.

Abbas highlighted the devastating impact of Israel’s bombardment, which has destroyed more than 80% of Gaza’s infrastructure. He accused Israel of committing war crimes against the Palestinian people, stating that these actions constitute crimes against humanity.

Abbas’s Key Points:

1. Immediate Ceasefire: Abbas called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the unconditional entry of humanitarian aid.
2. Rejection of Israeli Policies: He rejected Israel’s plans for displacement, annexation, and the ongoing violence by Israeli settlers.
3. Reconstruction of Gaza: Abbas stated that the Palestinian Authority is ready to take over governance in Gaza and implement a reconstruction plan.
4. Call for Justice and Peace: Abbas emphasized that peace cannot be achieved without justice, and justice cannot be realized until Palestine is free.
5. Hamas’s Role: Abbas distanced the Palestinian Authority from Hamas’s actions, stating that Hamas would have no role in governance and must disarm.
6. Elections and Social Welfare: Abbas announced plans for presidential and general elections this year and highlighted efforts to build a unified social welfare system.
7. Recognition of Palestine: He called on all countries to recognize Palestine as a state and support its full membership in the United Nations.
8. Condemnation of Israeli Expansionism: Abbas condemned Israel’s expansionist policies, including its plans to annex the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
9. Commitment to Peaceful Struggle: Abbas reiterated Palestine’s commitment to achieving its rights through peaceful, legal, and diplomatic means.

Abbas also condemned Israel’s recent attack on Qatar, which took place on September 9.

The Palestinian president was unable to attend the UNGA in person after the U.S. revoked the visas of Abbas and 80 other Palestinian officials.