The Biden Administration Condemns Abbas’ Statement on the “Jewish Question”
Today, the administration of US President Joe Biden expressed its strong disapproval of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ remarks regarding the “Jewish question” and demanded an apology from him.
Abbas’ Controversial Statements
The Biden administration pointed out that Abbas made these statements during a Fatah leadership meeting on August 26, which were later released. In his remarks, Abbas claimed that Hitler’s fight against European Jews was not driven by anti-Semitism, but rather by their involvement in interest-bearing loans and financial transactions.
Debra Lipstadt’s Response
Debra Lipstadt, President Biden’s envoy on anti-Semitism, expressed her shock at Abbas’ statements. She strongly condemned his speech, stating that it distorted the Holocaust and misrepresented the tragic expulsion of Jews from Arab countries. Lipstadt called on Abbas to apologize for his remarks.
International Condemnation
The European Union also condemned Abbas’ speech, describing it as historically distorted, inflammatory, and offensive. The EU spokesperson warned that such rhetoric could escalate tensions in the region.
Fatah’s Response
The Fatah movement strongly criticized the Israeli incitement campaign and the international backlash against President Abbas, claiming that the statements attributed to him were fabricated or taken out of context.
Official Palestinian Response
Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeine clarified that Abbas’ remarks were a quotation from Jewish and American historians, writers, and others. He emphasized that these statements should not be seen as a denial of the Nazi Holocaust. Abu Rudeine reiterated Abbas’ clear and documented condemnation of the Holocaust and rejection of anti-Semitism.
Disapproval of the Campaign
Abu Rudeine expressed strong disapproval and condemnation of the ongoing campaign against Abbas, citing the mere act of referring to scientific and historical works.
Source: agencies
