Erdoğan condemns Netanyahu's UN address, criticizes international silence
NEW YORK
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's presence at the U.N. General Assembly, calling it a "shame."
Speaking at the Turkish House in New York, Erdoğan said, “It is truly a source of shame that a criminal, who committed genocide in Palestine, can take his place under the roof of the U.N."
"This is a betrayal of the memories of the babies, children, mothers, fathers, U.N. officials, journalists, and many others who have been brutally murdered.”
Netanyahu, who departed for New York early Thursday morning, is expected to address the 79th session of the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, according to local media.
“The U.N. General Assembly will either treat the murderer as he deserves or this shameful situation will go down in U.N. history as a black mark,” Erdoğan said.
He criticized the U.N. for failing to prevent wars or hold Israel accountable for its actions, saying it has lost its effectiveness and become a structure that upholds a system where "might is right."
Since Monday, Israel has bombarded Lebanon, leading to at least 677 deaths and over 2,500 injuries, as reported by the Health Ministry. The conflict with Lebanese group Hezbollah has escalated following Israel's ongoing war on Gaza, initiated after a cross-border attack by Hamas last October.
Bilateral Talks at the U.N.
In his U.N. address, Erdoğan reiterated concerns about the existing international system's inability to uphold global peace and security. He stressed that “the current international system and institutions have failed to fulfill their primary duties,” highlighting the need for a more just world that acknowledges the voices of the oppressed.
Erdoğan conducted bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including the German Chancellor, Ukrainian President, Greek Premier, and U.N. Secretary-General, focusing on cooperation and addressing regional crises, particularly in Gaza.
He urged countries to increase aid to Palestine before winter and to apply more pressure on Israel.
“Israel is indeed resorting to every means to spread the fire in Gaza throughout the region,” he stated, referencing recent attacks on Lebanon as proof of escalating tensions.
“As the world remains silent and the Western countries continue to provide military support to the Israeli administration, these massacres will unfortunately continue.”
Expressing concerns over Lebanon's situation, Erdoğan noted the trauma caused by Israel's attacks and monitored the evacuation process in southern Lebanon.
“Our region is facing such a cruel and terrible picture. We are talking about Lebanon, which has a population of six million. Where will these people escape to?” he questioned.
Erdoğan told Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Sept. 25 that the international community must urgently implement a solution to stop Israel's aggression.
Stopping the Israeli attacks is "a humanitarian duty," he said.
“We stand by Lebanon against the attacks,” Erdoğan told Mikati, adding that the international community must show solidarity to prevent further destabilization.
Lebanese Interior Minister indicated that approximately 13,500 Syrians have fled Lebanon for Syria since the onset of Israeli airstrikes on Monday. Multiple nations have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon and advised against traveling there until further notice.
The U.S., EU, and nine other nations called for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah amid escalating warfare. However, Netanyahu denied agreeing to a ceasefire, instructing his military to continue striking Lebanon with full force.
