Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, delivered a speech at the U.N. that once again criticized Israel and praised anti-Israel protests in the U.S. He presented a 12-point plan for post-war Gaza, calling for a permanent cease-fire and accusing Israel of genocide. Abbas also condemned the U.S. for supporting Israel and vetoing Security Council resolutions.
During his speech, Abbas questioned Israel's legitimacy and did not mention Hamas, drawing criticism from Israel's U.N. Ambassador. Critics argue that Abbas's leadership has not significantly benefited the Palestinian cause despite his long tenure in Palestinian politics.
Abbas, born in Safed during the British mandate period, has been accused of supporting terrorism through the 'pay for slay' system. He has a history of anti-American rhetoric and antisemitic conspiracy theories, with recent comments in the Turkish parliament reflecting this sentiment.
Asaf Romirowsky of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East highlighted Abbas's failure to combat corruption within the PA and his alignment with Hamas. Romirowsky criticized Abbas for perpetuating victimhood and enriching himself at the expense of the Palestinian people.
Kobi Michael from the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv noted that Abbas rejects the Jewish people's right to self-determination and has fostered hatred and delegitimization of Israel. Despite being considered relatively moderate compared to Hamas, Abbas's inflammatory remarks have drawn international condemnation.
In a recent speech in Berlin, Abbas made controversial remarks equating Israel's actions to '50 Holocausts' and refused to apologize for the Palestinian Black September massacre during the 1972 Munich Olympics.
