Palestinian leader criticizes US government during UN speech, thanks American people
The article highlights the ongoing demonstrations across the United States, capturing the spirit of public activism. Notably, it features a statement expressing appreciation for the citizens participating in these protests: “The American people are marching in the streets, in these demonstrations, and we are grateful to them,” he said.
TroibNews 
President Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian National Authority, delivered a strong critique of the United States government during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, particularly targeting U.S. vetoes of Security Council cease-fire resolutions.
Abbas' remarks underscored the increasing isolation of both the U.S. and Israel internationally, condemning the U.S. for using its veto power to block resolutions advocating for a cease-fire in the ongoing war in Gaza. Earlier this year, the U.S. stood alone in voting “No” on a resolution aimed at granting Palestine full United Nations membership.
“We regret that the U.S. administration, the largest democracy in the world, obstructed three times [a] draft resolution to the Security Council demanding Israel observe a cease-fire,” Abbas stated to the Assembly.
He also criticized the military aid provided by the U.S. to Israel, urging the international community to enforce sanctions while expressing gratitude towards most member states for their support of Palestine’s pursuit of full U.N. membership.
“The American people are marching in the streets, in these demonstrations, and we are grateful to them,” he remarked.
Abbas called for enhanced political and financial support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and other humanitarian organizations. The agency has reported that at least 220 of its workers, predominantly Palestinians, have lost their lives since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7—the highest death toll of any scenario involving U.N. operations.
Israel has accused UNRWA of being infiltrated by Hamas, claiming that some of its workers were involved in the October 7 attacks. Although two independent U.N. investigations have not validated these allegations, an inquiry did result in the dismissal of nine staff members for potential involvement.
In response to these accusations, many nations initially withdrew their funding from UNRWA, but several have since reinstated their support. The U.S., however, has decided to maintain its freeze on funding until at least March 2025.
Furthermore, Abbas articulated his vision for a future Gaza following the conflict, which includes governance by the Palestinian Authority.
“The entire world is responsible for what is happening to our people in Gaza and the West Bank,” he asserted.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
Abbas' remarks underscored the increasing isolation of both the U.S. and Israel internationally, condemning the U.S. for using its veto power to block resolutions advocating for a cease-fire in the ongoing war in Gaza. Earlier this year, the U.S. stood alone in voting “No” on a resolution aimed at granting Palestine full United Nations membership.
“We regret that the U.S. administration, the largest democracy in the world, obstructed three times [a] draft resolution to the Security Council demanding Israel observe a cease-fire,” Abbas stated to the Assembly.
He also criticized the military aid provided by the U.S. to Israel, urging the international community to enforce sanctions while expressing gratitude towards most member states for their support of Palestine’s pursuit of full U.N. membership.
“The American people are marching in the streets, in these demonstrations, and we are grateful to them,” he remarked.
Abbas called for enhanced political and financial support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and other humanitarian organizations. The agency has reported that at least 220 of its workers, predominantly Palestinians, have lost their lives since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7—the highest death toll of any scenario involving U.N. operations.
Israel has accused UNRWA of being infiltrated by Hamas, claiming that some of its workers were involved in the October 7 attacks. Although two independent U.N. investigations have not validated these allegations, an inquiry did result in the dismissal of nine staff members for potential involvement.
In response to these accusations, many nations initially withdrew their funding from UNRWA, but several have since reinstated their support. The U.S., however, has decided to maintain its freeze on funding until at least March 2025.
Furthermore, Abbas articulated his vision for a future Gaza following the conflict, which includes governance by the Palestinian Authority.
“The entire world is responsible for what is happening to our people in Gaza and the West Bank,” he asserted.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
