💥 Big moment in NYC! At the International Conference on a Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question (co-chaired by France & Saudi Arabia), Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke via video to lay down a bold vision for Gaza and the West Bank.🎙️
Abbas didn't hold back: he slammed Israel's "crimes," denounced Hamas' October 7 attack on southern Israel, and made it clear that only the State of Palestine has the legit claim to govern post-war Gaza.✊
He outlined a 5-point blueprint:
- Permanent ceasefire 🕊️
- Guaranteed UN & UNRWA humanitarian aid delivery 🚑
- Release of hostages & prisoners 🔓
- Withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza 🚧
- Rehabilitation & reconstruction in Gaza and the West Bank 🏗️
Abbas was clear that Hamas and other factions should hand over weapons and step aside. Governance, he argued, belongs to the Palestinian Authority.⚖️
On the path to democracy, he promised presidential and parliamentary elections within one year after the war ends, plus a provisional constitution within three months to guide the shift from an authority to full statehood.🗳️
He also thanked nations that already recognize the State of Palestine and urged others to follow suit, pushing for full UN membership.🌐
Finally, Abbas called on Israel to come back to the negotiation table "to stop the bloodshed and achieve a just and comprehensive peace." It's a moment that resonates far beyond politics—echoing the hopes of young activists, students, and professionals across South and Southeast Asia who champion peace and human rights.✌️
Despite being blocked from entering New York, Abbas addressed the UNGA via video after the United States refused his visa—proving that even tech-savvy leaders won't let red tape halt a global peace pitch.📹
Reference(s):
Abbas condemns Israel's 'crimes,' calls for permanent ceasefire
cgtn.com
