Abbas condemns Israel’s ‘malicious colonial plan’ ahead of Netanyahu UN speech

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas condemned Israel's actions as a "malicious colonial plan" in a video address to the UN General Assembly. This came after the Trump administration denied visas to Abbas and his delegation, citing their failure to pursue peace. Abbas rejected these "unlawful punitive measures" and warned against another "Nakba." Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set to deliver a speech at the UN, expected to defend his government's record on the Gaza war and West Bank settlements. Protests against Netanyahu's visit were underway in New York City. Netanyahu's brief visit is also influenced by upcoming Israeli elections.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in a pre-recorded UN address, declared that the Palestinian people are experiencing a critical historical juncture. He accused Israel of conducting a "genocidal war" in Gaza and fragmenting the West Bank through settlement expansion, warning of increasing "settler terrorism." Abbas stated that Israel's actions threaten not only the two-state solution but the very existence of Palestinians in their homeland. His speech was delivered via video after the Palestinian delegation was denied US visas, an action Abbas deemed a breach of US host country obligations. He also called for the implementation of a US-backed peace plan for Gaza and reaffirmed plans for legislative elections on November 28.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is addressing the United Nations General Assembly at a critical juncture for both his political career and Israel's relationship with the UN. Facing intensifying international criticism, including accusations of genocide and war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, Netanyahu is also contending with declining domestic support ahead of upcoming elections. Analysts suggest his UN address, a regular event for him, serves to project an image of defiance to his Israeli audience, potentially influencing public perception. Historically, Israeli leaders have portrayed their UN engagement as a stance against perceived hostility from the international body, which has frequently served as a platform for criticism of Israel's policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver a speech at the UN on Thursday, aiming to highlight Israel's achievements amidst growing international condemnation and domestic political challenges. He faces his toughest re-election bid, compounded by ongoing conflicts and settler violence in the West Bank. Internationally, countries like the UK, France, and Canada are considering sanctions on Israeli settlements, with accusations of ethnic cleansing leveled against settlers. Public opinion in the US has also shifted negatively towards Netanyahu's government. Protests are anticipated both at the UN and in New York City. Despite criticism, Israel's UN ambassador defends the government's actions, attributing negative perceptions to misinformation. Netanyahu's speech is intended to address world leaders and his Israeli electorate, projecting a message of control and appealing to right-wing audiences.

Palestinians in Gaza are closely following Israel's upcoming national election, scheduled for October 27, though they hold little hope that the vote will improve their dire circumstances. Displaced and living amidst destruction from the ongoing war, Gazans fear that any new Israeli government, whether led by incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu or opposition figures like Gadi Eisenkot, will continue policies detrimental to their lives. Concerns include the potential for further forced displacement, a lack of essential aid and medical supplies, and the continuation of violence. Many Palestinians, like those interviewed, believe that fundamental change is unlikely regardless of the election's outcome, as core policies affecting Gaza are expected to remain consistent.