In his final address at the United Nations General Assembly, US President Joe Biden stressed the urgent need to end the ongoing war in Gaza and warned against the risks of a full-scale conflict in Lebanon, stating that such a scenario is not in “anyone’s interest.”
Biden, addressing world leaders at the assembly, highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the civilian population has suffered immensely. “Innocent civilians in Gaza are going through hell,” he remarked, referencing the staggering death toll that has surpassed 41,000 due to Israeli bombardments.
He called for a ceasefire and urged Hamas to finalize terms that would secure the release of hostages and alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
With the conflict escalating, including over 550 casualties reported from Israeli attacks in Lebanon, Biden underscored the importance of diplomatic efforts to restore peace in the region.
“The situation is grave, but a diplomatic solution remains possible,” he asserted, advocating for cooperation among nations to ensure the safety of residents on both sides of the border.
Reflecting on his presidency, Biden expressed mixed emotions regarding his potential candidacy for a second term. “Becoming the President of the United States has been the greatest honor of my life,” he stated.
However, he also voiced a desire for a new generation to take the lead, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the needs of the people over the pursuit of power.
The US president also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to destabilize Ukraine have failed. “We cannot tire; we cannot look back, and we will not stop supporting Ukraine until it wins a just and lasting peace,” Biden declared.
In his speech, Biden extended his concerns to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, urging the international community to refrain from arming rival factions and to unify in ending the conflict. He announced a commitment of 1 million m-pox vaccines to African nations facing health crises, highlighting the need for rapid action against the spread of the virus.
Biden concluded by urging collaboration among nations to tackle climate change and address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. He warned that while AI has the potential to transform lives, it also presents risks, including misinformation and bioweapons. “We must prepare our citizens for the future, which will see more technological change in the next two to ten years than we have seen in the last 50 years,” he noted.
Erdoğan denounces UN's failure to address Gaza violence
On the other hand, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a scathing critique of the United Nations during his address at the General Assembly, condemning its failure to halt the ongoing war in Gaza and calling for immediate action to protect Palestinian civilians. He questioned how long the world would endure the shame of witnessing the massacre of Palestinians.
Erdoğan asserted that the UN has devolved into an ineffective body, serving the interests of a select few countries rather than fulfilling its foundational mission of maintaining international peace and security. “The United Nations has failed in its primary mission, becoming a dysfunctional structure at the mercy of just five countries,” he stated.
The Turkish leader likened Israel's military campaign in Gaza, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to a "network of massive massacres" and demanded an immediate ceasefire. He characterized the ongoing violence as genocide against the Palestinian people, denouncing those who support the Israeli government as complicit in these crimes.
"Today, Gaza stands as the largest graveyard for women and children," Erdoğan lamented, highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. He emphasized that the treatment of Palestinians, particularly in Israeli prisons, reflects a profound moral decline in global values. “Are the people of Gaza and the occupied West Bank not human? Do they not have rights?” he questioned.
Erdoğan criticized the United States for allegedly undermining ceasefire efforts while simultaneously supplying Israel with weapons, enabling the continuation of hostilities. He urged the international community to implement coercive measures against Israel and called for a reassessment of the UN General Assembly's authority to recommend force, akin to past resolutions aimed at preserving peace.
The Turkish president urged the UN Security Council to take decisive action regarding the Gaza conflict, calling for an end to what he described as “cruelty” and “brutality.” He insisted on the necessity of an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the exchange of hostages and prisoners, and unhindered humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
Highlighting the severe toll of the conflict, Erdoğan reported that since October 7, over 41,000 Palestinians, including a significant number of women and children, have lost their lives due to Israeli attacks. He condemned the targeting of essential services, noting that 172 journalists and over 500 medical personnel have been killed while attempting to perform their duties in extremely dangerous conditions.
