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Abbas Blasts Global Inaction at UN, Demands End to Gaza ‘Genocide’

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NEW YORK:  In a passionate address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the international community to act decisively in the face of the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With the death toll now exceeding 41,000 and over 200,000 people displaced, Abbas condemned what he called a global failure to stop the “genocide” unfolding in Gaza. He demanded that the Palestinian Authority be granted full control over the Gaza Strip, including its border crossings, most notably Rafah, to ensure both humanitarian aid and peace.

Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas Addresses at 79UNGA

“We must stop this crime now,” Abbas implored the world leaders present. His speech was a call for immediate intervention, including a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, unhindered access for humanitarian relief, and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes. The Rafah crossing, the only exit not controlled by Israel, has been a lifeline for aid but remains highly restricted, exacerbating the crisis.

Israel Rejects Ceasefire as Regional Conflict Escalates

Despite Abbas’s appeal for peace, Israel continues to reject international calls for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, as the conflict in the north intensifies. Since the latest round of airstrikes began earlier in the week, Israeli forces have killed at least 300 people in Lebanon, with fears growing of an all-out regional war. On Thursday, Israeli warplanes targeted areas on the outskirts of Beirut, killing 28 people, including a senior Hezbollah commander. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched rocket strikes into northern Israel, further escalating the situation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to reporters upon arriving in the U.S., stated that operations would continue both in Lebanon and Gaza. “We will not stop until we secure the north and bring our people back home,” Netanyahu declared. He also reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to continuing military strikes in Gaza, where more than 5,000 airstrikes have been conducted since the conflict intensified.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating, with the United Nations reporting that more than 70% of Gaza’s population is now in need of urgent humanitarian aid. With nearly half of Gaza’s infrastructure destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, hospitals and schools are overwhelmed, and access to clean water, electricity, and basic supplies is severely limited. The most recent Israeli airstrike on a school in northern Gaza killed 14 people, many of whom were displaced families seeking refuge.

International relief agencies, including the Red Cross and UNRWA, have been struggling to provide aid due to the ongoing blockade and military operations. Over 1 million people are now facing critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Abbas emphasized that immediate international intervention is essential, not only to provide aid but to prevent further loss of life.

Diplomatic Efforts Falter as Violence Mounts

Global diplomatic efforts to halt the violence have so far failed to produce a ceasefire. The United States, France, and several other key nations have pushed for a 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border and in Gaza. However, these calls have been rejected by Israel, which insists that its military operations are necessary to secure its borders.

As the conflict drags on, Abbas urged the UN to impose sanctions on Israel and called for an arms embargo to stop the flow of weapons into the country. “The world cannot continue to stand by and watch this tragedy unfold,” he said. “Gaza has become a graveyard for the living.”

Future of Gaza: Vision and Challenges

Looking ahead, Abbas presented a vision for a peaceful and stable Gaza. This includes international guarantees for humanitarian relief, the reconstruction of critical infrastructure, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces. He also reiterated the Palestinian Authority’s demand for control over Gaza’s governance and borders, stating that this was crucial for ensuring lasting peace.

However, experts warn that the road to peace will be fraught with challenges. With more than 2 million people living in Gaza under increasingly dire conditions and no immediate end to the conflict in sight, the prospect of a sustainable peace remains uncertain. Analysts predict that without robust international intervention, Gaza will continue to face years of instability and reconstruction.

The economic cost of the conflict is also staggering. Gaza’s economy, already devastated by decades of blockade, has lost an estimated $4 billion in infrastructure alone since the conflict escalated. Recovery efforts, if and when they begin, are expected to take years, with many fearing that without a comprehensive peace plan, the region will remain a flashpoint for further conflict.

As Abbas concluded his address to the UN, his words echoed the frustration of a people long caught in the crossfire of geopolitical strife: “The Palestinian people have waited too long for justice. The time for action is now.”

The question remains whether the international community will heed Abbas’s call or allow the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza to deepen. The world is watching, and history will judge how it responds.

-Dr. Shahid Siddiqui; X @shahidsiddiqui

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