Speaking via video to the U.N. General Assembly, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas stated his people’s rejection of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and asserted Hamas would have no role in governing Gaza post-war, requiring the group to surrender its weapons. Abbas condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as a war crime, while also thanking world leaders who have stood up for Palestinians. He welcomed recent recognition of a Palestinian state but emphasized the need for further action, calling for the international community to ensure Palestinians obtain their rights. Abbas also reiterated his vision for a two-state solution, despite it appearing more distant amid Israel’s rejection of a Palestinian state.
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The United Nations General Assembly voted to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address its annual meeting virtually after the United States revoked his visa last month. This decision came amid efforts by France, the U.K., and others to recognize a Palestinian state, which the U.S. opposes, citing concerns about emboldening Hamas and hindering ceasefire negotiations. The U.S. revoked the visas of around 80 Palestinian officials, including Abbas, which sparked international criticism, as the U.N. deemed this a violation of its Host Country agreement. France and Saudi Arabia are advancing a plan for Palestinian statehood, but the Israeli government and many Palestinians have concerns about the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to peace and leadership.
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The United States is denying visas to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and approximately 80 other PA officials for the upcoming UN General Assembly. This controversial move, which the State Department attributed to the PA and PLO’s actions, has drawn criticism from several European countries, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and experts, who argue it hinders ceasefire diplomacy in Gaza. The State Department’s decision, however, was praised by Israeli officials and appears to be a further step to punish those involved in international tribunals’ probes of alleged crimes committed by Israel. The denial of visas is viewed by many as a violation of the UN Headquarters Agreement, which recognizes Palestine as a non-member observer state.
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The UN conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, saw 17 countries, the EU, and the Arab League endorse a text urging Hamas to disarm and cede control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority. This unprecedented declaration, also condemning the October 7th attacks, aims to facilitate a two-state solution, with some nations expressing willingness to recognize a Palestinian state. Notably, the text also considers potential deployment of foreign forces to stabilize Gaza post-conflict. The conference also saw calls for a ceasefire, aid and actions by Israel in order to proceed with a recognition of a Palestinian state, and the two-state solution’s viability is threatened by the ongoing war and Israeli actions.
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Recent reports indicate escalating international efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Luxembourg hinted at recognizing a Palestinian state, potentially following France’s lead. France has also urged the EU to pressure Israel toward a two-state solution and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where airdrops of aid have begun amidst widespread famine-like conditions. The US, however, rejected a UN conference on the two-state solution, labeling it a “publicity stunt.” Furthermore, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israeli strikes resulting in numerous casualties.
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In a surprising development, five sheikhs from Hebron have expressed their desire to separate from the Palestinian Authority. They are seeking to join the Abraham Accords and recognize Israel as a Jewish state, according to The Wall Street Journal. The sheikhs have engaged in over a dozen meetings with Economy Minister Nir Barkat since February. They have also requested that he present their letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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In a letter to Presidents Macron and bin Salman, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas demanded Hamas immediately relinquish its weapons and military capabilities to Palestinian security forces, ending its rule over Gaza. He further insisted on the immediate release of all hostages. This disarmament, overseen by Palestinian forces with international support, is a precondition for the possible French recognition of a Palestinian state, a topic of a forthcoming U.N. conference. The proposal is likely to face skepticism from Israel and the U.S.
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Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official, lauded October 7th as a significant victory, highlighting Hamas’s ability to inflict damage on the IDF. He denied requesting Hezbollah’s assistance, although it was offered. Despite this claimed success, Hamas reportedly intends to cede control of the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority, a decision reportedly influenced by Egyptian pressure. This transfer would include provisions for Hamas employees. Simultaneously, Israel is sending a delegation to Cairo for negotiations concerning hostages and a ceasefire.
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Israel has launched a significant military operation in the West Bank, resulting in the deaths of at least eight Palestinians. This operation, described by some as a collaboration with the Palestinian Authority (PA), is targeting Hamas militants operating within the West Bank. The action comes amidst ongoing tensions and a complex political landscape in the region.
The operation’s scale and intensity are raising concerns, particularly given the high number of Palestinian casualties. While official reports focus on the targeting of Hamas operatives, the circumstances surrounding the deaths are still being investigated and different accounts are emerging. There are accusations that some of the deaths are that of civilians, adding to the complexity of the situation and fueling debate over the legitimacy of the operation’s methods.… Continue reading
The death of Shatha al-Sabbagh, a young Palestinian journalist, in the Jenin refugee camp has ignited a fierce controversy, pitting the victim’s family against the Palestinian Authority (PA). The family alleges that al-Sabbagh, a journalism student and independent reporter, was deliberately shot by PA security forces. Their statement paints a picture of a seemingly peaceful scene, a well-lit neighborhood with no active fighting, where a sniper’s bullet ended al-Sabbagh’s life as she stood with her mother and young children. This starkly contrasts with the PA’s official account.
The PA, in a statement released the same day, attributed the killing to “outlaws” within the Jenin camp.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood