• Abbas rejects Hamas's October 7 attack, asserting the need for Palestinian Authority leadership in Gaza.
• The Palestinian president condemns Israel's military actions as genocide and war crimes.
• International recognition of Palestinian statehood has increased, but Abbas urges for actionable support.

In a powerful address delivered via video due to visa restrictions imposed by the United States, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the United Nations General Assembly that the Palestinian people “reject” the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel. He emphasized that Hamas must have no role in future governance of Gaza and must disarm, asserting that the Palestinian Authority is prepared to take full responsibility for the territory once the conflict concludes, according to SCMP and Africanews.

Abbas described the current condition in Gaza as a “war of genocide, destruction, starvation and displacement” orchestrated by Israel. His remarks came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to address the UN in person, highlighting the significant political tensions surrounding the situation, according to LA Times and India Times.

While acknowledging recent international recognition of Palestinian statehood from allies including France, the UK, and Canada, Abbas insisted that symbolic support is insufficient. He called for a more substantial commitment from the international community, stating, “The time has come for the international community to do right by the Palestinian people,” as detailed in reports by SCMP and Africanews.

Abbas concluded his speech emphatically, asserting, “We will not leave our homeland. We will not leave our lands,” echoing a sentiment of resilience among the Palestinian people despite the ongoing hardships they face, as noted by LA Times and India Times.