Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Decries Situation as Worse Than a Genocide

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, commonly known as Abu Mazen, in a recent television interview, expressed a dire assessment of the ongoing situation in the Palestinian territories. Speaking on the program "Kalam Akhir" ("The Final Word") on the "ON" channel with journalist Lamis El Hadidy, President Abbas declared that the current events unfolding in Palestinian territories, especially Gaza, are more devastating than the catastrophe (Nakba) of 1948, describing them as "more than a genocide."

Abbas emphasized that the impact of the conflict is widespread, affecting not just Gaza but also the West Bank and Jerusalem. He presented staggering figures, stating that the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 20,000, with more than 7,000 people reported missing under the rubble, a number that might rise to 10,000. Additionally, he reported around 60,000 injuries.

In his critique of the international response, President Abbas specifically targeted the United States, highlighting its use of veto power in the United Nations Security Council to block attempts to stop the conflict. He expressed frustration over the inability of the global community, including the UN General Assembly, to effectively intervene and halt the hostilities.

Abbas further discussed the extensive destruction in Gaza, highlighting that the conflict has not only resulted in a significant loss of life but also the obliteration of homes, mosques, schools, streets, and entire neighborhoods. He noted that the current state of Gaza is unrecognizable to those who knew it before.

He also addressed the daily confrontations in the West Bank and Jerusalem, where Israeli military forces and settlers are involved in frequent clashes with Palestinian residents. President Abbas criticized Israel's justification of these actions as self-defense, dismissing it as illogical and unacceptable.