Mahmoud Abbas: What will it take to ‘protect’ Palestine?

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly via video, challenging the international community over its response to Israel's actions in the ongoing conflict. In his address, Abbas asked how long the world would "remain silent" and continue supplying weapons to Israel, raising concerns about external support amid the crisis. Abbas's appearance came after he was prevented from attending the UN session in person because US visa sanctions bar Palestinian Authority officials from entering the United States. The restriction meant Abbas could not engage face-to-face with other world leaders on the Assembly's platform. The video statement forms part of a broader international debate taking place at the UN about humanitarian conditions, accountability, and the role of arms transfers in the conflict. Abbas's remarks signal a push by Palestinian leadership to draw greater global attention to these issues despite diplomatic limitations. By delivering his message remotely, Abbas ensured his perspective was heard at a major diplomatic forum even as restrictions limited his physical participation. The episode underscores how diplomatic and legal measures can shape which voices are present in multilateral discussions about the Israel-Palestine conflict.