Abbas Presses Case for Palestinian State in Video‑Recorded UN Address

In a prerecorded video addressed to the United Nations General Assembly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas pressed the case for a Palestinian state, insisting that the right to self‑determination must be realized through a two‑state solution. Abbas highlighted the need for a Palestinian sovereign territory and urged the international community to confront the obstacles hindering its establishment. The address was delivered from the Palestinian delegation’s office in New York and was broadcast to the world during the UN session.^[1][2]

Reaffirming the Two‑State Demand

Abbas reiterated his long‑standing demand for a two‑state solution, calling the current status quo unacceptable for Palestinians and asserting that true peace can only materialise if a distinct Palestinian state is created. He framed the proposal as a pathway to lasting stability and said that the global community had a responsibility to support the establishment of a viable Palestinian nation.^[2]

Accusations of a Genocidal War

In a stark indictment, Abbas accused Israel of prosecuting a genocidal war against Palestinians, citing ongoing settlement expansion, military offensives, and civilian casualties that, according to him, meet the criteria of genocide under international law. He urged UN member states to recognize the severity of the situation and to take decisive action to halt the alleged systematic targeting of Palestinian communities.^[2]