In a pre-recorded speech played at the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas presented an extraordinarily positive picture of the reforms he claims his government has carried out. According to Abbas, the PA has fulfilled the commitments it made to the international community.
“We have completed the national reform program to which we committed ourselves before our people and the international community,” Abbas announced. He went on to say that the Palestinian leadership had “strengthened institutional governance, public financial management, transparency, accountability, the fight against corruption, and the rule of law.”
Abbas also claimed that his government had established a “unified national system of social protection and welfare based on need,” continued reforming the education system “in accordance with international standards,” and was advancing “democratic renewal and the empowerment of women and young people.”
AFSI Insight
Abbas’s declaration of “reform” should not be accepted at face value. If the PA continues to support terrorism, promote incitement, and educate another generation against Israel, then changing the language or structure of its programs is not genuine reform. The international community must judge the Palestinian Authority by its actions—not its promises—and should not reward empty declarations with greater legitimacy or support.