Rabat – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has drawn fierce criticism after his recent remarks concerning Israel during the ongoing UN General Assembly in New York.
In his speech on Thursday, Abbas recalled the Palestine Authority’s recognition of Israel since 1993.
“In 1993, we signed a peace agreement, ” he said, recalling obligations, including the recognition of the State of Israel. Under the same agreement, Israel recognized the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
He recalled that the Palestinian Authority upholds the same position, recognizing Israel’s “rights exist in 1988 and again in 1993, and we continue to do so.”
His remarks sparked questions and outrage online, with internet users commending such a position that comes amid a genocidal war that continues to cleanse Palestinians in Gaza.
During his speech, he condemned Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel and said the resistance group has “no role in governance.” He also called on Hamas to surrender its weapons.
“We do not want an armed state,” he said.
In the speech, the Palestinian president also celebrated the multiple recognitions that his country received during the UN General Assembly.
“Here, on behalf of the Palestinian people, I extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to all the states that have recently recognized the State of Palestine and those preparing to do so soon,” he said.
He also called on all other states to recognize Palestine and its full UN membership.
