King Abdullah II Condemns Israeli Actions, Affirms Palestinian Statehood at UN General Assembly

Jordanian Monarch Addresses Global Body

King Abdullah II of Jordan delivered a significant speech at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2025. The monarch used his platform to strongly condemn Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip and to reiterate Jordan's unwavering support for Palestinian statehood. He described the ongoing conflict in Gaza as 'one of the darkest moments' in the UN's history, emphasizing the profound humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

Condemnation of Israeli Policies and Call for Palestinian Statehood

In his address, King Abdullah II stated that the scale of the crisis in Gaza is 'beyond expression' and warned that international silence could be interpreted as acceptance of the current situation. He affirmed that Palestinian statehood is an 'indisputable right, not a reward', advocating for a two-state solution. The King criticized the Israeli government's 'provocative calls for a so-called Greater Israel', asserting that such ambitions would violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring countries. He highlighted the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as the 'longest-standing conflict in the world' and characterized it as an 'illegal occupation' of a helpless population. Furthermore, King Abdullah II warned that hostile rhetoric concerning the Al-Aqsa Mosque could ignite a religious war, potentially leading to a comprehensive regional conflict.

Urgent Humanitarian Appeal and End to Hostilities

The Jordanian monarch called for an immediate end to the war, the safe return of all hostages and detainees, and the establishment of a 'Gaza Humanitarian Gateway' to facilitate a massive relief effort. He stressed that humanitarian aid should never be used as a tool of war. King Abdullah II also condemned the 'unprecedented scale of terror unleashed on Gaza' since October 7, 2023, stating that it is 'beyond any justification'. He pointed out that the Israeli government's actions have resulted in a disproportionate number of casualties, including more children, journalists, aid workers, and medical personnel than in many other recent conflicts.

Qatar Echoes Condemnation, Cites 'State Terrorism'

Concurrently, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also addressed the 80th UN General Assembly, delivering a strong condemnation of Israel's policies. He accused Israel of committing 'genocide' in Gaza and described an alleged Israeli attack on Doha as an act of 'state terrorism' aimed at derailing ceasefire negotiations. The Emir criticized Israel for choosing war over the return of hostages and highlighted what he termed Israel's policy of political assassinations and global violations. Sheikh Tamim emphasized that it is 'unacceptable for the Palestinian people to remain prisoners of the Israeli occupation' and noted that Israel's responses to Arab peace initiatives often involve 'nationalist and ultra-orthodox extremism', leading to settlement expansion and the 'Judaization of Jerusalem'.