Mahmoud Abbas delivers fiery anti-Israel speech at UN, accuses Jewish state of ethnically cleansing east Jerusalem; FM Lieberman walks out during address, blasts Palestinian leader’s ‘speech of incitement’
Ynet reporters
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas asked the United Nations on Friday to recognize a state for his people, accusing Israel of engaging in ethnic cleansing in his United Nations speech.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Abbas accused Israel of employing an “ethnic cleansing policy” in Jerusalem.
More on the showdown at the UN:
- Netanyahu: Palestinians want state without peace
- Palestinians take to streets to cheer on UN bid
- Abbas: Israelis want peace, leaders don’t
- Opinion: Destructive Palestinian state
“Israel issues building permits to settlers so they can build in occupied Jerusalem, while it keeps confiscating lands in eastern Jerusalem and driving away Palestinians from their ancestral lands,” he said in his address.
Watch Abbas' UN address (Video) |
“Now, after the Arab springs emphasized their desire for liberty, it’s time for a Palestinian spring – the moment of independence,” he said. "I do not believe that anyone with a shred of conscience can reject our application for a full membership in the United Nations and our admission as an independent state," Abbas told the General Assembly, which gave him a standing ovation.