Abbas condemns Israel’s ‘malicious colonial plan’ ahead of Netanyahu UN speech

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas denounced Israel's "malicious colonial plan" during a video address from Ramallah, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contentious speech at the United Nations. Abbas' delegation was recently denied United States visas, sparking street protests in New York City. Netanyahu is set to deliver his address just hours after learning of the visa denial, which is expected to be a defense of his tenure and a rejection of criticism over Israel's actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

The US state department justified the visa denial by citing the Israeli government's failure to uphold peace commitments and their alleged role in ongoing atrocities. Abbas emphasized that the Palestinian delegation would not be silenced and that the US, as host country, must uphold its obligations. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani had previously stated that Netanyahu was "not welcome" in the city, and protesters gathered in anticipation of his arrival, holding signs and shirts advocating for an end to the genocide and war crimes in Palestine.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, questioned Mamdani's recent stance, accusing him of trying to defuse the situation. Netanyahu, facing mounting international condemnation, plans to return to Israel ahead of October elections and the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Palestinian representatives are urging diplomatic missions to join a planned walkout during Netanyahu's speech to demonstrate their opposition to the ongoing conflict.