Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized the absence of Palestinian Authority(PA) President, Mahmoud Abbas at the UN General Assembly.
The Turkish leader began his speech pointing to Washington’s denial of visas to Palestinian Authority and Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) officials, including PA President, Mahmoud Abbas.
The Trump administration denied visas to PA and PLO officials for what it described as failing to “repudiate terrorism” and for supporting international investigations into Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
The move is in violation of the UN agreement establishing New York as the host of the international organisation’s headquarters.
“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.”
Recep Tayyip Erdogan
He thanked nations who recently recognized the State of Palestine and urged others to swiftly do the same.
The Turkish President focused a large part of the first part of his speech on Israel’s war on Gaza.
He noted that more than 250 journalists have been killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza, pointing out that while Israel has “closed all the entrances to Gaza they still haven’t been able to cover up the genocide.”
He commended UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres’ efforts to draw attention to the ongoing genocide. However, he added that the United Nations “has not even been able to protect his own personnel.”
He noted that hundreds of aid workers and first responders have been killed while trying to help those injured in Israel’s attacks.
Erdogan held up photographs, including of women in Gaza clutching empty pots and basins and of a starving child.
“In the year 2025, could there be a reasonable justification for such cruelty?Human history has not witnessed such brutality in the past century. Everything is unfolding before our eyes.”
Recep Tayyip Erdogan
He added that Israel is not limiting itself to Gaza and the West Bank only but has launched attacks on Syria, on Iran, Yemen and Lebanon. “Israel is also threatening regional peace,” he said.
In his speech, the Turkish leader also condemned Israel’s recent attack on Qatar, and said the Israeli government had “completely lost control.”
He called for a ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible. “Attacks should stop. Humanitarian aid should be able to enter with no obstacles,” he added, calling for those committing genocide to be held accountable.
The Turkish President asserted that everyone who is keeping silent is “an accomplice to this barbarity,” urging world leaders “to stand firm alongside the oppressed Palestinians and alongside humanity.”
“Why are your people back home reacting to the barbarity in Gaza? Do show courage to take action here. Fulfil your humanitarian duty towards Gaza where children are raising children.”
Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Also, The Turkish President said that he has great hope that the people of Syria will be able to rebuild their nation, and he promised military support to “the vision of a one and unified Syria with no forms of terrorism, especially ISIS.”
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“Through direct talks, we facilitated the exchange of several prisoners and bodies, and we worked to identify the modalities of peace negotiations between the parties.
“Don’t forget: There is no winner of war and no losers of a just peace. So with this matter in mind, in the coming days also, we will continue to work hard for a peaceful ceasefire.”
Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Erdogan said that Turkiye is “pleased” that steps were taken recently to enable a lasting peace between the two countries between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
He went on to congratulate the neighbours’ leaders as well as Trump for contributing to this process.
He also said the normalisation process between Turkiye and Armenia is “progressing as planned.”
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