Abbas ‘rejects’ October 7 attack

THE Palestinian president says his people “reject” Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, pledging the militant group would have no post-war role governing Gaza.

- BY SIMON MURPHY

Mahmoud Abbas told the UN yesterday Palestinians in famine-stricken Gaza “have been facing a war of genocide, destruction, starvation and displacement" by Israel.

Speaking to the UN General Assembly via video after the US revoked his visa, he also issued a powerful message to Palestinians.

Abbas said: “We say to our sons and daughters in the homeland, in the exile and in the diaspora, no matter how much our wounds bleed and no matter how long the suffering lasts, it will not break our will to live and survive.

“The dawn of freedom will emerge and the flag of Palestine will fly high in our skies as a symbol of dignity...”

He added: “Palestine is ours. Jerusalem is the jewel of our heart and our eternal capital.

“We will not leave our homeland.”