Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas made waves at a UN-backed peace conference Sunday, doubling down on his condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza while outlining an ambitious roadmap for postwar governance. In a virtual address that blended fiery rhetoric with concrete proposals, Abbas called for a permanent ceasefire and positioned the Palestinian Authority as Gaza's sole legitimate governing body post-conflict.
🔥 Condemnation & Ceasefire Demands
Abbas described Israel's military operations as 'crimes' but notably distanced himself from Hamas' October 7 attacks. His five-point peace plan demands: 1️⃣ Immediate humanitarian aid through UN channels 2️⃣ Prisoner/hostage exchanges 3️⃣ Full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza 4️⃣ International reconstruction funding 5️⃣ Palestinian Authority control over security
📜 Post-War Vision
In what some are calling a 'political mic drop' moment, Abbas pledged: • Presidential/parliamentary elections within 1 year of ceasefire • Provisional constitution draft in 3 months • Disarmament of Hamas and other factions 'We want statehood, not endless conflict,' Abbas declared, urging Israel to return to negotiations.
🌐 Global Reactions
The speech comes days after the UN General Assembly approved Abbas' virtual participation when the US blocked his travel visa. While 139 countries recognize Palestinian statehood, key players like the US and most EU members remain holdouts.
As reconstruction talks gain momentum, the big question remains: Will this plan break the cycle of violence, or become another chapter in this decades-long saga? 💬
