Mahmoud Abbas, the President of Palestine, stated at the recent United Nations meeting that Israeli policies are no longer just jeopardizing the two-state solution, but pose a serious threat to the life and existence of the Palestinian people in their own lands.
Criticism of the United States and the Situation in Gaza
Abbas also strongly criticized the United States for not issuing a visa to attend this meeting, calling this action a "punishment." Instead of attending the meeting, he recorded a video message in advance that was played at the gathering in New York.
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He further stated: "The danger is not limited to undermining the two-state solution but threatens the life and existence of the Palestinian people in their own lands. What is happening in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem is not accidental but a hostile colonial plan aimed at making life more difficult for Palestinians in their land and forcing them to leave it."
The Need for UN Security Council Intervention
Abbas added that the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank aims to separate the north and south of the region and prevent the realization of a geographically contiguous Palestinian state. He called for immediate and responsible intervention from the UN Security Council.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development warned that Gaza is currently facing the worst economic crisis in its history. An Israeli military attack that began following an assault by Hamas in October 2023 devastated the region and continued until the announced incomplete ceasefire in October 2025.
In the West Bank, violence from extremist Israeli settlers has increased, leading to economic sanctions imposed by Britain, France, and Canada.
With 160 countries recognizing it as the State of Palestine, Abbas urged the UN Security Council to intervene quickly and responsibly. He said: "Today we declare to the world that saving the solution begins with preserving the land where the State of Palestine is to be established and protecting the people who live there."
Abbas also announced that Palestinians are moving towards legislative elections on November 28, which will complete the renewal of the Palestinian National Council institutions and subsequently lead to the Palestinian presidential elections.
In a letter sent in June 2025 to Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, and Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Abbas promised to hold legislative and presidential elections within a specific timeline. On Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized the necessity of holding these elections, amid growing concerns in the international community about the possibility of delays due to logistical difficulties.
