(JNS.org) Speaking before the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, Sept.26, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud accused Israel of “genocide” against the Palestinians, saying Israel committed “absolute war crimes carried out before the eyes and ears of the entire world” during this summer’s war with Hamas in Gaza. He called on the U.N. to pass a resolution setting a deadline for Israeli withdrawal to pre-1967 borders. This summer’s war “came after long, difficult [U.S.-brokered Israeli-Palestinian] negotiations for more than eight months,” Abbas said, adding that Israel “did not miss the opportunity to undermine the chance for peace.”

In response, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said, “President Abbas’s speech today included offensive characterizations that were deeply disappointing and which we reject. Such provocative statements are counterproductive and undermine efforts to create a positive atmosphere and restore trust between [Israel and the Palestinians].”