Abbas warns against ‘another Nakba’ and urges faster implementation of Gaza peace plan

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cautioned the global community against permitting a "new Nakba" and advocated for the prompt execution of the US-driven Gaza peace plan in his pre-recorded address to the 81st UN General Assembly. Addressing the assembly, Mr. Abbas highlighted that Palestinians are experiencing one of the most perilous periods in their history, citing centuries of displacement, occupation, and the denial of their right to self-determination, freedom, and independence.

He accused Israeli forces of causing deaths, destruction, starvation, and efforts to displace Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, asserting that the conflict has resulted in a historic humanitarian crisis. Mr. Abbas emphasized, "Do not allow terrorist gangs, protected by the Israeli occupation forces, to burn Palestinian homes while their occupants sleep inside," and "Do not let our children live in fear and threats."

He noted that a year has passed since the inception of President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, yet the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan has been delayed. Abbas urged the acceleration of this stage and warned that the current transitional period, scheduled to conclude in 2027, must not be prolonged indefinitely.

In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Abbas accused Israel of accelerating settlement expansion and increasing settler violence, citing land confiscation, home demolitions, checkpoints, and raids. He warned against allowing another Nakba or additional massacres like those from 1948, stating that Israeli policies, such as the proposed E1 settlement, no longer merely undermine a Palestinian state but endanger the very existence of the Palestinian people on their homeland.

Abbas called for the international community to safeguard Palestinians, preserve their presence on their land, end the Israeli occupation, and implement a two-state solution based on international resolutions. He questioned the continued silence or arms supply to Israel by certain nations, expressing concern over the immense cost of the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.

Abbas delivered his speech via video due to the US denying visas to him and other Palestinian officials, asserting their compliance with peace process commitments. Abbas affirmed that Palestine has fulfilled its obligations, conducted a nationwide reform, and maintained adherence to international law, non-violence, and the two-state solution.

He appealed to the US administration to "return to dialogue and mutual respect" and collaborate with Palestinians and the international community to realize a two-state solution grounded in international legitimacy. The assembly responded with a brief applause, but no enthusiastic ovations ensued.