Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered one of the most forceful addresses at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, condemning Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza as “genocide” and calling for urgent international action.
Speaking on Tuesday, Erdogan accused Israel of committing systematic mass killings against Palestinians, emphasizing that the devastation in Gaza had surpassed anything witnessed in recent history.
‘One Child Every Hour’
“In front of every one of us, a genocide has been going on in Gaza for more than 700 days,” Erdogan declared.
“For the last 23 months, Israel has killed one child every hour. These are not numbers; each one is a life, an innocent person.”
The Turkish leader described harrowing conditions in Gaza, citing reports of children as young as two or three losing limbs without anesthesia. “This is the lowest point of humanity,” he said. “There is no war in Gaza; there are no two sides. This is an invasion, a genocide, a policy of mass massacre.”
Speaking for the Palestinian People
Erdogan positioned Türkiye as a voice for Palestinians, noting the absence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the UN meeting.
“Türkiye speaks on behalf of the Palestinian people, whose voices are being silenced,” he told world leaders.
He praised nations that have formally recognized the State of Palestine, urging others to follow suit and “act without delay.” His appeal included a demand for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and accountability for what he called Israel’s “genocide crew.”
Warnings of Regional Escalation
The Turkish president accused Israel of broadening its aggression beyond Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He cited military actions in Syria, Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, and Qatar, warning that the crisis risks destabilizing the wider Middle East.
“Obsessed with the idea of a promised land, the Israeli administration is undermining regional peace and humanity’s common achievements with its expansionist policy,” Erdogan charged.
He added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “has no intent for peace or freeing hostages,” pointing to what he described as a deliberate escalation strategy.
‘Stand with the Oppressed Palestinians’
Erdogan called on the global community to take a moral stance:
“World leaders must stand firmly with the oppressed Palestinians today in the name of humanity,” he urged.
He argued that Israeli assaults had erased fundamental human rights, including women’s and children’s rights, freedom of expression, equality, and justice.
“Can there be peace in a world where children die from hunger and lack of medicine?” he asked. “Humanity has not witnessed such brutality in the last century.”
Praise for the Syrian People
In a shift to regional issues, Erdogan commended the Syrian people for resisting what he termed a “bloody regime.” He insisted that their sacrifices should lead to lasting victory.
“As the struggle against a bloody regime has been won, I believe the Syrian people will, God willing, achieve the goal of their victory despite the heavy price they have paid,” he stated.
He emphasized that stability in Syria would benefit not only its citizens but also neighboring countries and the broader region.
Global Repercussions
Erdogan’s fiery remarks come as the war in Gaza nears its second anniversary, with mounting international pressure on Israel over civilian casualties and humanitarian violations. His speech adds to a growing chorus of voices at the UNGA demanding accountability and a shift in global policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Whether Erdogan’s call resonates with world leaders remains uncertain, but his message was clear: Gaza is not just a war zone—it is, in his words, “humanity’s deepest wound.”
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