Transformations in the Social and Humanitarian Dimensions of Palestinian Political Discourse: A Qualitative Analysis of President Mahmoud Abbas’s Speeches at the United Nations (2005–2025)

Abstract

This study aims to examine the social and humanitarian dimensions in the speeches delivered by President Mahmoud Abbas before the United Nations General Assembly during two distinct periods: the first from 2005 to 2015, and the second from 2016 to 2025. The research is based on the hypothesis that there are significant transformations in the content of Palestinian political discourse reflecting changes in the political and social realities, with a particular focus on how social and humanitarian aspects are employed within these speeches.

The study adopts a qualitative methodology relying on thematic content analysis and critical discourse analysis. It analyzes a selected corpus of official speeches by President Abbas during the two periods. The analysis includes identifying recurring themes, examining the construction of the Palestinian "self" and the Israeli "other," as well as exploring the rhetorical strategies used in the speeches.

The findings reveal clear shifts in the social and humanitarian dimensions between the two periods. In the first period, the discourse primarily focused on peace and negotiations, with limited references to social issues. In contrast, the second period saw an intensified emphasis on human rights violations and social hardships, including poverty, unemployment, and deteriorating health and education services, alongside a broader use of emotional rhetorical devices aimed at eliciting international empathy.

Furthermore, the study shows that the Palestinian "self" in the first period was portrayed as a negotiating party striving for peace, whereas the second period depicted Palestinians more as victims suffering under oppressive occupation, with a stronger emphasis on justice and human dignity. This shift reflects political and social changes within the Palestinian context and their impact on discourse strategies.

The research concludes that reinforcing the social and humanitarian dimensions in Palestinian political discourse is an effective tool to garner international support and raise awareness of Palestinian suffering. It recommends ongoing analysis of official speeches and the use of impactful rhetorical tools to further develop political rhetoric