‘Palestinian’ Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York today (Thursday) through a prerecorded speech broadcast remotely, after the U.S. administration refused to grant him a visa to attend the gathering. Nevertheless, the UN decided to allow him to deliver his remarks remotely, despite the explicit opposition of Israel, the United States and Paraguay.
The UN General Assembly voted last week to allow Abbas to participate remotely, approving the measure by 152 votes to three, with Israel, the United States and Paraguay voting against and four countries abstaining. The decision permitted a prerecorded statement by Abbas to be played in the General Assembly Hall. During his recorded address, Abbas sharply attacked Israel, accusing it of violating international law and undermining the possibility of advancing a two-state solution. The ‘Palestinian’ Authority chairman claimed that events in Gaza and Judea and Samaria were part of what he described as a “colonial plan” intended to force ‘Palestinians’ to leave.
Abbas continued his attack by accusing Israel of waging a “genocidal war” that he claimed had created a catastrophe. Toward the end of his remarks, he turned his criticism toward the international community, demanding to know how much longer it would remain silent in the face of Israel.
The UN’s decision to provide Abbas with a platform despite the U.S. visa denial came over the objections of Israel and the United States, as well as Paraguay. Washington has accused the ‘Palestinian’ Authority of undermining peace efforts and subsidizing terrorism, while the PA has condemned the visa restrictions and argued that they violate U.S. obligations as host of the United Nations.