Abbas calls for intervention to save two-state solution

• Abbas addressed a UNGA meeting, citing 160 nations' recognition of Palestine and pointing to UNSC Resolution 2803 to end the Gaza war.
• Palestinian Leader set legislative elections for November 28, to be followed by presidential and PNC votes.
• He demanded an end to 'Israeli' E1 settlement expansion and the release of $6+ billion in withheld revenues.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a virtual address to a high-level international meeting held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, calling for urgent international action to establish an independent Palestinian state and preserve the two-state framework.

The conference, titled "The Way Forward: One Year After the New York Declaration and the Comprehensive Peace Plan," was jointly convened by Saudi Arabia, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

The high-level session brought together UN Secretary-General António Guterres alongside numerous heads of state, foreign ministers, and international delegates.

In his remarks, Palestinian President Abbas expressed gratitude to the host nations and to the 160 countries that have officially recognized the State of Palestine.

He noted that the gathering comes a year after the adoption of the New York Declaration, the launch of the comprehensive peace plan, and the passage of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, frameworks he stated established a clear political pathway toward halting the war in Gaza, securing a full 'Israeli' military withdrawal, initiating reconstruction, and opening a horizon to end the occupation.

Addressing domestic governance, President Abbas highlighted progress made under the Palestinian National Reform Program, emphasizing key structural achievements including the unification of the social welfare system, educational sector updates, and the successful completion of local municipal elections.

To further consolidate political unity, Abbas officially announced that legislative elections will take place on November 28, which will subsequently be followed by elections for the Palestinian National Council (PNC) and the presidency.

Turning to external pressures, the Palestinian president emphasized that protecting the viability of the two-state solution requires firm international intervention to stop unilateral measures on the ground.

He specifically pointed to the acceleration of 'Israeli' settlement construction and the expansion of the controversial E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank.

Abbas concluded by demanding the immediate release of more than $6 billion in Palestinian tax clearance revenues currently withheld by 'Israel', stressing that restoring these financial resources is essential for state stability and public service delivery.