Abbas Condemns US Support for Israel in Gaza War, Calls for Arms Embargo
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday delivered a scathing rebuke of the United States at the United Nations General Assembly, accusing Washington of enabling Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza by providing both weapons and diplomatic cover, Al Jazeera reports.
“This madness cannot continue,” Abbas said, addressing the 193-member body. “The entire world is responsible for what is happening to our people.”
His speech, his first since Israel launched its offensive last October, came amid escalating tensions and a mounting death toll in Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 41,534 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.
Abbas specifically targeted the US, the largest financial and military supporter of Israel, stating that Washington has repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“The US alone stood and said, ‘No, the fighting is going to continue,'” he said.
The Palestinian leader also outlined a 12-point proposal for post-war Gaza, calling for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Strip and the establishment of a Palestinian state under the authority of the Palestinian Authority. He rejected any buffer zones or land seizures by Israel.
“We are not asking for more, but we will not accept any less,” Abbas asserted.
He also urged the international community to halt arms sales to Israel, arguing that such actions are directly contributing to the ongoing violence.
Abbas’s speech was met with immediate rebuttal from Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon. He criticized Abbas for failing to mention Hamas and for using the UN platform to advocate for a peaceful solution while simultaneously fueling conflict.
“Only when he stands on the UN platform does he talk about a peaceful solution,” Danon retorted.
This latest development underscores the escalating tension between Israel and Palestine, and the global community’s struggle to navigate the complex political landscape of the conflict. The ongoing violence, and the lack of a negotiated solution, continues to raise serious concerns about the potential for further escalation and suffering in the region.
