A Cry For Freedom: Abbas’ Call Against Genocide

By Nabilan Salleh

(BERNAMA’s Foreign News Service Senior Writer Nabilah Salleh narrates the deeply moving and emotional speech delivered by the leader of the beleaguered Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, on the third day of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) General Debate in New York)

NEW YORK, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- The moment Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas approached the podium at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on the third day of the General Debate, the audience erupted into prolonged applause, reflecting the global weight of his message even before he spoke.

In his 25-minute address on Thursday here Abbas called for an immediate halt to Israel's ongoing war in Gaza describing it as a “full-scale genocide.”

His remarks carried a sense of urgency and emotion, resonating not only with the global audience but especially with Malaysians who have long supported the Palestinian cause.

Abbas’ resolute declaration, "We will not leave. Palestine is our homeland ... if anyone were to leave, it would be the occupying usurpers," set the tone for what was a deeply moving and emotionally charged speech.

Unlike last year’s UNGA, which took place before the eruption of war between Palestine and Israel, this year’s session unfolded under the shadow of the conflict that began on Oct 7, 2023.

Abbas' speech drew far greater attention due to the ongoing genocide and the devastating impact of violence on Palestinian civilians, with the global community intently listening to his plea for justice and an end to the bloodshed.

Anyone in the hall couldn’t help but notice UNTV, the world body’s official broadcasting service, alternating between panning shots of the Israeli and US representatives and their stoic expressions, a stark contrast to Abbas’ denouncement of their roles in perpetuating the violence.

The emotions were palpable, particularly when Abbas cited the death toll in Gaza -- over 40,000, including 15,000 children all within less than a year.

“Stop this crime. Stop the genocide. The entire world is responsible for what is happening,” he demanded, as the camera briefly focused on the Lebanese representative’s chair - a reminder of the broader regional implications of the conflict that has now dragged Lebanon into its wake.

Abbas’ words certainly aligned with Malaysia’s long-standing position on the Palestinian struggle and international accountability.

Abbas’ frustration with the United States  (US) was clear, particularly as he condemned its repeated use of vetoes in the UN Security Council to block resolutions that could have enforced a ceasefire.

As Abbas described the scale of destruction in Gaza -- where 75 per cent of infrastructure has been obliterated -- his plea for international protection of Palestinians mirrored Malaysia’s consistent call for peacekeeping forces in the region.

“We are not fighting Israel; we cannot fight Israel… but we want protection,” Abbas said.

This call for global intervention feels especially urgent, given Malaysia’s own advocacy for international peacekeeping missions in Palestine.

 Abbas in his speech also condemned Israel’s aggression toward Lebanon and again this brought the Lebanese delegation into UNTV’s focus, emphasising the far-reaching consequences of this conflict.

As Abbas concluded his message, a spontaneous outburst of cries of "Free, free Palestine!" suddenly reverberated through the assembly.

Abbas’ final words were a tribute to the resilience of the Palestinian people. 

He said, "Our people will live on the land of their fathers and grandfathers, as they have done for more than 6,000 years."

His message, filled with defiance and hope, undoubtedly resonates with Malaysia that has consistently stood in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

-- BERNAMA