Addressing the United Nations General Assembly via a video message, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has accused Israel of pursuing plans for territorial expansion that he termed “Greater Israel”. The statement, delivered Thursday, highlights ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on the future of the region.
Abbas characterized Israel’s actions as “war crimes and crimes against humanity” asserting a pattern of settlement expansion and development projects within the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which he designated as the future capital of a Palestinian state. He specifically cited recent construction plans for the “E-1” area as a potential impediment to a two-state solution, alleging the project would effectively divide the West Bank and further isolate Jerusalem.
The accusation of pursuing “Greater Israel” stemmed from statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following a recent televised interview where he received a gift of an amulet depicting a map of the “Promised Land” subsequent clarification revealed the map illustrated a territory encompassing areas beyond Israel’s internationally recognized borders, potentially including portions of Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. While Netanyahu has expressed attachment to the vision represented by the map, the precise scope of his plans remains undefined.
President Abbas also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, alleging a “genocide” and widespread destruction, hunger and displacement. He emphasized that a just resolution to the conflict is unattainable without Palestinian freedom and reiterated the Palestinian Authority’s desire for an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Abbas distanced the Palestinian Authority from the October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas, stating that those actions do not represent the Palestinian people or their broader struggle for freedom and independence.
