Mahmoud Abbas calls for Israel's expulsion from U.N. at General Assembly

In a passionate address to the 2024 General Assembly, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called for Israel to be stripped of its United Nations membership. He characterized Israel's military operations against Hamas as a 'full-scale war of genocide,' highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians, including the loss of entire families and widespread disease due to shortages of essential resources. Abbas's rhetoric painted a dire picture of the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, urging the international community to take action. Abbas's speech notably omitted critical context regarding the conflict, including the events of October 7, when numerous Israeli civilians were killed, kidnapped, and assaulted. Instead, he positioned himself as a voice of reason, advocating for a two-state solution while condemning Israel's military response to Hamas's actions. He also criticized Israel's military engagement with Lebanon, again failing to mention the role of Hezbollah in the ongoing violence. The Palestinian leader's demands extended to the international community, urging immediate sanctions against Israel for what he described as ongoing massacres and crimes against Palestinians. He emphasized that Israel's refusal to comply with United Nations resolutions disqualified it from membership in the organization. Abbas concluded his address by highlighting the role of the United States in supporting Israel, accusing it of providing the means for civilian casualties. His speech reflects the ongoing tensions and complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the challenges faced in achieving a peaceful resolution.