On King Abdullah II’s historic speech at the United Nations

Among the few world leaders with a steadfast commitment to advocating peace, recognizing its importance not only regionally but globally, is His Majesty King Abdullah II. This was evident during his recent address to the UN General Assembly 2024.

In a powerful and impassioned address to the United Nations General Assembly, His Majesty King Abdullah II underscored the urgent necessity for peace, justice, and international cooperation. He implored world leaders to unite in seeking a lasting solution to end the long-standing suffering of the Palestinian people, particularly the ongoing war on Gaza, demanding a stop to the genocide.

During his speech, His Majesty the King reminded the assembly that such war crimes strike at the heart of the United Nations' legitimacy, highlighting the alarming reality that some nations operate above international law, thereby undermining the institution's credibility. His words, "the UN is under attack – literally and figuratively," echoed through the silence of the assembly.

The speech embodied both wisdom and command. With his background as a soldier, he knows that delivering a speech is not merely listing facts but giving a powerful message for future action.

In stating, “Palestinians have borne more than 57 years of occupation and oppression. During this time, the Israeli government has been allowed to cross one red line after another,” and “this Israeli government has killed more children, more journalists, more aid workers, and more medical personnel than any other war in recent memory,” His Majesty King Abdullah II lays bare the harsh reality that has persisted far too long.

These powerful assertions are not just a recounting of historical injustices; they represent a call for accountability and action. The continuous and staggering loss of innocent lives in Palestine, mainly in Gaza, is a profound indictment of a system that perpetuates suffering, and challenges the international community to confront its complicity in this ongoing tragedy.

His Majesty voiced the need for the international community to work collectively towards peace, justice, and human dignity. He compelled them to take action, echoing His his father, His Majesty King Hussein’s words, from 64 years ago at the 15th session of the General Assembly: “I pray that this community of nations may have the courage to decide wisely and fearlessly, and to act with the urgent resolve that this crisis and our conscience demand.”

Listening to His Majesty's speech, listing the obvious—the fact that all nations are familiar with: the long-standing occupation, injustice, and oppression Palestinians have faced for over 75 years—I believe that this historic address not only highlighted the critical issues facing the Middle East but it is also an urgent call for a united and proactive global response.

His Majesty's words implore us to recognize that true peace cannot be achieved through passive silence or indifference but requires concerted efforts to uphold human rights and ensure justice for all, a response that aim not only at finding a lasting solution for the Palestinians, but also at building a future of peace for the next generations, thus invoking King Hussein’s legacy and His Majesty’s own determination.

His message holds the urgency of acting towards, not only to support the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people, but to foster a global environment where peace, justice, and mutual respect can finally take root.