Holding a picture from Gaza, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during the 80th session of the UN’s General Assembly (UNGA) at the United Nations headquarters. AFP
Erdogan opened by highlighting the absence of Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, after the US denied visas to Palestinian Authority and Palestinian Liberation Organization officials.
“I would like to first express my regret at the absence today of the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, at a time when Palestine is being recognised by an increasing number of countries,” Erdogan said.
Standing “alongside my 86 million citizens, also for our Palestinian brothers and sisters whose voices are being silenced,” he thanked states that had recognised Palestine and urged others to follow suit.
The Turkish president accused Washington of violating the UN headquarters agreement by obstructing Palestinian officials’ access to the annual gathering.
Turning to Gaza, Erdogan displayed a photo to the assembly showing hungry women waiting for food. “Just feel your conscience and answer the following question. Can we possibly have a reasonable reason for this brutality in 2025?” he asked.
“This shameful picture has been unfolding in Gaza and is being repeated for 23 months now,” he said. “What kind of a human consciousness can possibly bear this? How can one stay silent vis-a-vis this?”
He highlighted the toll on journalists, noting that over 250 reporters had been killed by Israeli attacks. While Israel had “closed all the entrances to Gaza,” he said, “they still haven’t been able to cover up the genocide.”
Short link: