Abbas Condemns Israeli Expansion Plans and Criticizes Attack on Qatar

Abbas Condemns Israeli Expansion Plans and Criticizes Attack on Qatar

Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas delivered a poignant address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) via videolink, highlighting the urgent need for an independent Palestinian state. This address comes amidst ongoing tensions and significant humanitarian crises affecting the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

Abbas’s speech has garnered considerable attention as he addressed the dire circumstances faced by Palestinians. “I speak to you today after almost two years in which our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip have been facing a war of genocide, destruction, starvation and displacement,” he stated, as reported by Al Jazeera.

He emphasized that the violence has resulted in the deaths and injuries of over 220,000 Palestinians, predominantly unarmed civilians, including children, women, and the elderly. “What Israel is carrying out is not merely an aggression. It is a war crime and a crime against humanity that is both documented and monitored, and it will be recorded in history books and the pages of international conscience as one of the most horrific chapters of humanitarian tragedy in the 20th and 21st centuries,” he declared.

After outlining the catastrophic situation in Gaza, Abbas shifted his focus to the West Bank. He criticized the “extremist Israeli government” for continuing its plans for illegal settlement expansions, which he described as a “settlement disease.” Specific mention was made of the E1 settlement plan, which he warned could:

  • Divide the West Bank into two separate parts
  • Isolate occupied Jerusalem from its surrounding areas
  • Undermine the viability of the two-state solution

Abbas condemned these actions as blatant violations of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, stating, “We reject and completely deplore” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s calls for a “greater Israel” that encroaches upon sovereign Arab states.

In his address, Abbas characterized the situation as an escalation of violence, describing attacks by settlers on Palestinian civilians. He noted, “They burn homes and fields, they uproot trees and attack villages and unarmed Palestinian civilians,” adding that such attacks occur “in broad daylight under the protection of the Israeli occupation army.”

Furthermore, Abbas raised concerns about attacks on religious sites across the region, including Islamic and Christian locations in al-Quds, Hebron, and Gaza. He condemned the damage inflicted on mosques, churches, and cemeteries, calling it a “blatant violation of the historic status quo and international law.”

Highlighting the ongoing plight of Palestinians, he stated, “Seven million Palestinians are still living the tragedies of the Nakba and displacement since 1948.” He lamented, “Our people in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and in the Gaza Strip, are still living the tragedies of the Israeli aggression and occupation for decades.”

Abbas pointed out the persistent issues faced by Palestinians under occupation, including killings, arrests, and the theft of property and land. He expressed frustration that despite over 1,000 resolutions passed by the United Nations, none have been implemented. “Many international efforts and initiatives have not concluded this tragic situation that the Palestinian people are living under the yoke of occupation,” he said.

Reflecting on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to peace, Abbas stated that they have adhered to the 1993 Oslo Accords, restructured their institutions, and rejected violence in favor of a culture of peace. He asserted, “We made all our efforts to build the institutions of a modern Palestinian state that lives side by side in peace and security with Israel, but Israel did not adhere to signed agreements and has worked systematically to undermine them.”

Abbas concluded his address with a powerful message for Palestinians, both in their homeland and abroad. “No matter how much our wounds bleed, and no matter how long this suffering lasts, it will not break our will to live and survive,” he proclaimed. He expressed hope for a brighter future, stating, “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 yoke of occupation.”

He emphasized the enduring connection of Palestinians to their homeland, saying, “We will not leave our lands. Our people will remain rooted like the olive trees. Firm as the rocks, we will rise from under the rubble to rebuild and to send from our blessed and holy land the messages of hope and the sound of truth and right, building bridges for just peace for the people of our region and the entire world.”

Similar Posts

  • Scholars Advocate for Islamic Unity Inspired by Prophetic Teachings

    The 39th International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran has gathered influential Muslim leaders to emphasize the teachings of Prophet Muhammad on justice, brotherhood, and resilience. Leaders like Hezbollah’s Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed the importance of unity against adversity, particularly in liberating Palestine and combating extremism. Scholars highlighted the Prophet’s transformative role and warned against divisions within the Islamic Ummah. They urged collective action and adherence to Islamic principles to confront challenges and external manipulation. The conference serves as a platform for promoting solidarity, reminding attendees of their shared responsibility to embody these values and advocate for dignity and peace in the Muslim world.

  • Tragic Toll: Over 16 Israeli Pilots Lose Lives in 12-Day Conflict

    In a recent interview, Major General Yahya Rahim-Safavi discussed the significant improvements in Iran’s military capabilities following a recent 12-day conflict with Israel. He acknowledged initial weaknesses in Iran’s air defense and intelligence systems but noted a decisive shift in power by the fourth day of the conflict, culminating in Iran being recognized by 60% of foreign analysts as the victor. Safavi stated that Iran effectively targeted enemy infrastructure and claimed the deaths of over 16 Israeli pilots. As Iran rebuilds its military, it aims to enhance its air defense and offensive capabilities, signaling readiness to respond stronger to future threats.

  • Ceasefire Under Siege: Israeli Regime’s Toll on Gazans Surpasses 47,280

    The Gaza conflict has resulted in a staggering death toll of approximately 47,300 due to Israeli military actions, with recovery efforts revealing more victims beneath the rubble. Recently, hospitals reported receiving 122 bodies, predominantly recovered from debris. The health ministry has urgently requested residents to provide information about missing individuals to help update records, as thousands remain trapped. Palestinian journalists are documenting the harrowing search for loved ones on social media. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, presenting daily challenges for families seeking closure amid the devastation.

  • Israel Urges Diplomatic Dialogue with Iran, Stresses No Intentions for War

    Tensions between Iran and Israel surged after Israel’s unprovoked attack on June 13, leading to a 12-day war marked by the assassination of Iranian military leaders and civilian casualties. The U.S. intervened with airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, escalating the conflict. The war ended on June 24 after Iran retaliated, forcing Israel to cease operations. Russian President Putin, during a summit, indicated Israeli requests for diplomatic communication with Iran, advocating for negotiations over confrontation. Iran blamed the U.S. and Europe for the escalation, especially after the U.S. exited the 2015 nuclear deal, complicating diplomatic efforts regarding its nuclear program.

  • President Pezeshkian Concludes Successful Diplomatic Visit to Baku

    President Masoud Pezeshkian concluded a significant one-day visit to Baku, aimed at strengthening Iran-Azerbaijan relations. During his trip, he engaged in discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, participated in a conference on economic collaboration, and met with Iranian expatriates in Azerbaijan. A key outcome was the signing of a joint statement reaffirming both nations’ commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. Additionally, seven memoranda of understanding were signed to promote cooperation across various sectors. This visit underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and cultural connections between Iran and Azerbaijan, paving the way for future collaborations.

  • Kabul’s Top Priority: Welcoming Afghan Refugees Back from Iran, Says Acting Foreign Minister

    Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, highlighted the priority of returning Afghan migrants during discussions with Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, in Kabul. He expressed gratitude for Iran’s hospitality towards Afghan refugees and emphasized the need to enhance bilateral relations as security and economic conditions improve. Araghchi noted the strong existing economic, commercial, and political ties between the two countries and expressed hope for further strengthening them. This meeting marks Araghchi’s first visit to Afghanistan since taking office, reflecting a commitment to fostering cooperation and addressing the needs of Afghan migrants while enhancing relations between the nations.