Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas made a powerful statement on Thursday, declaring that Hamas will have no role in governing a postwar Gaza Strip. His words came as he virtually addressed the United Nations General Assembly, after the Trump administration blocked visas for the Palestinian delegation.
In his address, Abbas firmly rejected Hamas’s recent terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023. He condemned Israel’s ongoing war and policies in Gaza, and called for an end to the violence and suffering of the Palestinian people.
Abbas began his speech by thanking the international community for their continued support and solidarity with the Palestinian cause. He expressed his gratitude for the UN’s efforts in promoting peace and stability in the region, and urged for their continued involvement in finding a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The Palestinian President then turned his attention to the recent attack by Hamas, a militant group that controls the Gaza Strip. He denounced their actions, stating that they do not represent the Palestinian people or their legitimate struggle for freedom and independence. He emphasized that such violent acts only serve to further complicate the situation and hinder any progress towards a peaceful resolution.
Abbas also condemned Israel’s continued aggression and policies towards Gaza, which have resulted in the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of homes and infrastructure. He called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions and to put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Despite the challenges facing the Palestinian people, Abbas reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the conflict. He emphasized the need for a two-state solution, with an independent and sovereign Palestinian state coexisting alongside Israel in peace and security.
The Palestinian President also highlighted the importance of reconciliation and unity among the Palestinian factions. He called for an end to the internal divisions and urged for all parties to work together towards a common goal of achieving Palestinian statehood.
Abbas’s address to the UN General Assembly was met with resounding support and applause from the international community. His words served as a reminder of the Palestinian people’s unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Trump administration’s decision to block visas for the Palestinian delegation was seen as a deliberate attempt to silence the Palestinian voice and undermine their legitimate representation at the UN. However, Abbas’s virtual address proved that the Palestinian cause cannot be silenced or ignored.
In his closing remarks, Abbas reiterated his call for the international community to take concrete actions towards ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He urged for the recognition of the State of Palestine and for the implementation of UN resolutions that support the rights of the Palestinian people.
The Palestinian President’s strong stance against Hamas and Israel’s aggression in Gaza, as well as his unwavering commitment to a peaceful resolution, has once again demonstrated his leadership and determination in the face of adversity. His words serve as a reminder that the Palestinian people will not be deterred in their pursuit of freedom and justice.

