Speaking virtually before world leaders, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on the international community to act to ensure that the two-state solution and creation of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state succeeds, saying that without urgent intervention, regional stability is threatened along with the peace process.
Appearing before a diplomatic conference held on the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Abbas underscored the importance of international law mechanisms in the solution of the dispute. The conference, which bears the title “The Way Forward: One Year After the New York Declaration and the Comprehensive Peace Plan,” was organized jointly by Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Saudi Arabia. Attended by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres alongside foreign ministers and international delegates, the platform served as a key venue for discussions on regional security.
In his address, Abbas expressed gratitude to the 160 nations that have formally extended diplomatic recognition to the State of Palestine. He noted that existing international resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the New York Declaration, establish a comprehensive roadmap designed to halt hostilities in Gaza, ensure complete troop withdrawals, enable reconstruction efforts, and provide a clear political horizon toward ending the occupation.
Outlining domestic political governance, Abbas detailed significant structural milestones achieved through the Palestinian National Reform Program, including institutional restructuring across public services, education, and local governance. To further strengthen administrative credibility, he officially announced that national legislative elections are scheduled for November 28, which will subsequently pave the way for votes covering the presidency and the Palestinian National Council.
Turning to economic challenges, Abbas called for an immediate end to land expansion activities, specifically highlighting concerns surrounding the E1 settlement corridor. Furthermore, he demanded the immediate release of more than $6 billion in Palestinian tax clearance revenues currently withheld by Israel, emphasizing that these crucial funds are required to maintain public service delivery, stabilize state finances, and ensure basic economic sustainability.
