Israeli Delegation Walks Out During Erdogan's UN Speech on Gaza

An Israeli delegation walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall on Tuesday while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was delivering a speech that heavily criticized Israel's actions in Gaza. Israeli diplomats stood and left as Erdogan addressed the ongoing conflict, calling on the international community to increase pressure on Israel to end the war.

Erdogan's address focused on the Gaza conflict, urging an end to hostilities and a transition to the second phase of a peace plan, which he stated the Israeli government was refusing. He also called for the immediate reconstruction of Gaza according to a ceasefire agreement. The Turkish president highlighted the situation in the West Bank and Jerusalem, condemning settler violence and restrictions on access to holy sites, and characterizing the situation as a "genocidal mentality."

Furthermore, Erdogan criticized the UN's perceived paralysis, stating it was no longer capable of fulfilling its role in maintaining international peace and security. He described Gaza as an "open-air prison and the largest graveyard for children in the world," holding Israel responsible for the continuation of the war. He also lamented the denial of entry to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the second consecutive year, calling it an "injustice."

Erdogan reiterated Turkey's commitment to rebuilding Gaza and mentioned the establishment of a joint defense alliance between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan to address regional issues internally. The walkout occurred as Erdogan was discussing the Palestinian cause, specifically the situations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.