Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered remarks to the United Nations General Assembly warning that Israeli policies extend beyond undermining a two-state solution and now pose an existential threat to Palestinians. Abbas’s comments were delivered via prerecorded remarks from his office in Ramallah after the United States declined to issue visas to a Palestinian delegation for the second consecutive year.
Abbas characterized the current situation as one of the “most dangerous periods” in Palestinian history, describing conditions marked by casualties, destruction, food insecurity, and displacement efforts. He asserted that Israeli forces have systematically destroyed infrastructure across Gaza, including residential areas, educational institutions, hospitals, and religious buildings. In the occupied West Bank, Abbas characterized Israeli activities as a “malicious colonial plan” that involves forced displacement pressures and ongoing settlement construction on Palestinian territory, which violates international law.
Calling for international implementation of a two-state solution based on international legal frameworks, Abbas emphasized that preserving Palestinian land and its inhabitants is essential for establishing a Palestinian state. He stated that any transitional arrangements must culminate in the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under a single Palestinian state with unified security forces. Domestically, Abbas announced plans for legislative elections scheduled for November 28, marking the first such vote in 20 years, though questions remain about whether the elections will occur.
Abdullah concurrently stated that the Palestinian Authority has completed its national reform commitments to its people and the international community. Meanwhile, Hamas released statements accusing Israel of obstructing a ceasefire agreement and a peace process facilitated by a US-backed peace board. Hamas indicated readiness to implement a 15-point roadmap involving disarmament, transfer of Gaza administration to a Palestinian national committee, and phased Israeli withdrawal. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem asserted that the group had fulfilled its obligations while Israel continued escalating attacks and failing to meet ceasefire commitments.
With both the Gaza conflict resolution process and West Bank negotiations remaining uncertain, observers note that prospects for achieving a two-state solution appear increasingly distant.
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