Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, delivering an urgent appeal before heads of state and global diplomats. Facing the assembly amidst an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe across Gaza and escalating conflict in the occupied West Bank, Abbas repeated three times with quiet resolve: 'We will not leave. We will not leave. We will not leave. Palestine is our homeland.'
In his wide-ranging speech, the 88-year-old leader condemned what he characterized as a systemic war of genocide being waged against Palestinian civilians in Gaza. He described the total devastation of infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and homes, pointing out that over two million people have been subjected to repeated forced displacement, famine, and medical collapse.
Defiant Rejection of Forced Displacement and Escalating Violence
Abbas directly challenged the international community over decades of impunity, calling on the UN Security Council and General Assembly to move beyond symbolic statements. He demanded an immediate, permanent ceasefire across the occupied Palestinian territories and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
He also appealed to UN member states to enact comprehensive arms embargoes against Israel and implement targeted sanctions against extremist settler organizations that have intensified violent attacks against Palestinian communities throughout the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
“Palestine will be free. It is our homeland, the land of our fathers and ancestors, and our people will remain steadfast upon it.”
Demands for International Sanctions, Arms Bans, and Full Statehood
Reaffirming the Palestinian Authority's commitment to diplomatic pathways, Abbas emphasized that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) remains the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, fully prepared to assume administrative and security responsibilities throughout Gaza and the West Bank under an independent state framework.
He concluded by urging all nations that have not yet recognized Palestine to do so without delay, insisting that granting Palestine full member state status at the United Nations is an indispensable prerequisite for achieving genuine peace and security throughout the Middle East.
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