In a recent private gathering held at the Hyatt Grand Central Hotel in New York, Palestinian Authority Chairman, Mahmoud Abbas, also known as "Abu Mazen", voiced his frustration with the European Union (EU). This candid expression of discontent contrasts with his more diplomatic stance in public western forums. The revelations come from a report by Jacob Magid of the "Times of Israel."
Abu Mazen, who arrived in New York to address the UN General Assembly, did not mince words when discussing the EU's role in Palestinian affairs. He accused the EU of pressuring him to conduct parliamentary and presidential elections approximately two years ago. This call for elections came after an astonishing 18-year hiatus in the Palestinian Authority's electoral process. In exchange for his cooperation, Abu Mazen claims the Europeans promised to work towards persuading Israel to allow voting in East Jerusalem for the Palestinian Authority. Regrettably, these efforts proved futile.
In a surprising choice of words, Abu Mazen reportedly referred to the Europeans as "animals," using a derogatory term from the Arabic language to describe them. Such strong language underscores his frustration with the EU's inability to secure voting rights for Palestinians in East Jerusalem.
There are legitimate ways to protest PM Netanyahu, but to do so at UN, while neglecting the Butcher of Tehran, who seeks Israel’s destruction, and Holocaust denier Abbas, who pays salaries to murderers of Israelis = not only perverse sense of priorities, but empowers our enemies. pic.twitter.com/kXYz5G93Fs
— Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) September 18, 2023
The Palestinian Authority leader's visit to the United States also included a meeting with the heads of the local Palestinian community. During this meeting, Abu Mazen reviewed the ongoing international efforts aimed at countering unilateral Israeli actions, which he says violate international law and undermine the prospects for a just and comprehensive peace settlement. He emphasized the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders. Abu Mazen praised the role of the Palestinian community in the United States for its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, highlighting its significance in shaping American public opinion that favors the Palestinian national cause.
Every jerk who calls Israel a "racist state" should watch what the leader of the PA says in Arabic: https://t.co/fVkoKvcbxa Ben G'vir on his worst day hasn't come close to Abbas' terror incitement, bigotry & greed for all of Israel.
— Gary Katz (@garybkatz) September 17, 2023
It's essential to recall that just last month, Abu Mazen stirred controversy with comments made during a speech before the Fatah council. In that speech, he suggested that Hitler's motivations for targeting European Jews were related to "usury, accounts, and money" rather than anti-Semitism. He also asserted that Jews from Arab countries did not voluntarily emigrate to Israel but were compelled to do so by Israel itself. These remarks triggered widespread international condemnation, with the White House expressing its concern about rising anti-Semitism. Prominent historian Prof. Deborah Lipstadt, known for her work on Holocaust denial, openly criticized President Abbas's statements as anti-Semitic and hateful. She called for an immediate apology, denouncing such rhetoric as unacceptable in today's world.