Abbas denies that global pro-Palestinian protests are tied to antisemitism in virtual UN speech

NEW YORK — Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas uses his virtual speech before the UN General Assembly to thank the Western countries that recognized Palestine earlier this week at a conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, while urging the minority of roughly 45 holdout countries from the body of 193 states to get on board.

Abbas also thanks those protesting on behalf of Palestinians around the world.

“We reject confusing solidarity with the Palestinian cause [with] the issue of antisemitism — something we reject based on our values and principles,” Abbas says in what is turning out to largely be a repeat of the speech he gave three days ago before the same body at the two-state solution conference, which he was similarly barred from attending in person by the US.

Against the backdrop of that conference, Abbas takes the opportunity to reiterate nine points he says are needed:

1. An immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza

2. The influx of humanitarian aid “to stop using starvation as a weapon”

3. “The release of all hostages and prisoners on both sides”

4. The complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and an end to all Israeli unilateral actions that undermine a two-state solution, including settlement expansion, settler violence, Israeli land expropriation and violations of the status quo at holy sites

5. The PA taking “full responsibility” over the transitional governing body of Palestinian technocrats that much of the international community envisions will administer Gaza after the war, so that it can smoothly be connected to the West Bank under a single governing authority

While the transitional body should be under the umbrella of the UN, receive support from Arab allies and include an international peace keeping force, disconnecting it completely from Ramallah risks replacing the PA completely, Abbas warns.

6. A guarantee that residents of Gaza have the right to remain on their land, while a reconstruction plan is implemented

7. The release of Palestinian clearance revenues that Israel has been withholding for over four months, bringing the PA to the brink of collapse

8. Support for PA reforms, including the holding of elections within a year from the end of the war. “We want a modern and democratic state that abides by international law, the rule of law and multilateralism and the peaceful transition of power, and we are extremely keen to empower women and the youth,” Abbas says.

9. The PA is ready to work with US President Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia, France and all partners to implement the peace plan authorized at this week’s two-state solution conference.