President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority addressed the U.N. General Assembly via video on Thursday, emphasizing that Hamas will not assume governance over Palestine in the aftermath of a potential conflict with Israel. His speech came amid ongoing tensions between the Palestinian territories and Israel, with Abbas calling for international recognition of Palestinian statehood. During the address, Abbas expressed gratitude toward nations that have recently recognized Palestinian statehood, highlighting the importance of global support for his administration.
Abbas was denied a visa to enter the United States, which led to the virtual format of his address. This development has raised questions about the diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the Palestinian Authority. Despite the visa denial, Abbas managed to convey his message to the global audience, reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The speech underscored the complex political landscape of the region, with Abbas urging international actors to support the Palestinian cause while maintaining stability in the Middle East.