Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, accusing Israel of pursuing plans for territorial expansion that he termed “Greater Israel”. Speaking via video message, Abbas asserted that Israel’s actions constitute “a war crime and a crime against humanity” stating the actions are being documented and monitored.
He focused on continued Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which he declared to be the capital of the State of Palestine. Abbas specifically cited recent construction plans for the “E-1” area, claiming these plans would effectively divide the West Bank, isolate East Jerusalem and undermine the possibility of a two-state solution. He further alleged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a plan for “Greater Israel” a concept he condemned.
The assertion of a “Greater Israel” plan gained traction following a televised interview in August where Netanyahu received a gift – an amulet featuring a map of what appeared to be the geographic scope of the term. These maps often encompass territory extending from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River and frequently include portions of Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt.
Addressing the ongoing conflict, Abbas accused Israel of carrying out genocide in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized the need for a just end to the conflict predicated on Palestinian freedom and the establishment of a sovereign state. He reiterated the Palestinian desire for an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, enabling Palestinians to “live in freedom, security and peace.
Abbas also distanced the Palestinian Authority from the Hamas attacks of October 7th, stating they “do not represent the Palestinian people or their struggle for freedom and independence”.