Erdogan Accuses Israel of "Genocidal Thinking" at UN

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a scathing speech at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, focusing on the situation in Gaza and accusing Israel of "genocidal thinking." He urged the international community to increase pressure on Israel and called on countries that have not yet recognized Palestine to do so. Erdogan also criticized the decision not to grant a visa to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Addressing the conflict in Gaza, Erdogan claimed that approximately 74,000 people have died in the enclave over the past three years, with a majority being women and children. He attributed these deaths to Israel, labeling the actions as "state terrorism" and describing Gaza as "the most inhumane and shameful concentration camp of our time." Erdogan stated, "We are facing a genocidal thinking that will never be satisfied with killings."

Erdogan further accused Israel of failing to advance the second stage of a ceasefire agreement brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. He also highlighted ongoing violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and expressed concern over restrictions on Muslim and Christian access to holy sites in Jerusalem.

He called for intensified international pressure on Israel to expedite the reconstruction of Gaza and urged world leaders to aid in rebuilding the enclave's infrastructure, especially amid difficulties with the U.S. peace plan. During Erdogan's speech, the Israeli delegation walked out of the UN General Assembly hall.