Turkish President criticizes international community for inaction amid Gaza genocide

In his message on the 78th anniversary of the United Nations (UN), Erdogan also emphasized the need for UN reform and a more representative, democratic, and effective global order.

Erdogan conveyed his congratulations to the UN on its 78th anniversary, recognizing Türkiye's status as a founding member. He extended his gratitude to all those working within the UN framework, aiming to establish peace, prosperity, justice, and harmony worldwide.

The Turkish President highlighted the multitude of challenges facing humanity, including conflicts in Palestine and Ukraine, climate change, hunger, poverty, and Islamophobia. He specifically mentioned the recent events in Gaza, where civilian settlements, places of worship, hospitals, and schools have become targets of violence, reaching what Erdogan described as a "degree of genocide."

Erdogan expressed disappointment in the international community's response, particularly the United Nations Security Council, which he criticized for a one-sided approach that deepened the crisis rather than stopping the bloodshed and ensuring a ceasefire. He also pointed out that UN agencies, such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), were being rendered dysfunctional by the UN Security Council's actions.

Despite these criticisms, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to the values represented by the UN and the principle of multilateralism. Türkiye, among the top 20 contributors to the UN's general budget, is taking significant steps to make Istanbul a UN hub by hosting regional offices of various UN organizations and agencies.

Türkiye continues to lead initiatives for peace mediation and the Alliance of Civilizations, contributing to UN peacekeeping operations and supporting the implementation of the UN's Sustainable Development Agenda. Erdogan also emphasized Türkiye's efforts in global issues, including the Zero Waste Movement, the Black Sea Initiative, and the fight against xenophobia, cultural racism, and Islamophobia.

Erdogan concluded by reiterating the necessity of reforming the United Nations to make the UN Security Council more representative, democratic, and effective. He stressed Türkiye's commitment to promoting a more just world order, saying, "The World is Bigger than Five."

As the United Nations celebrated its 78th anniversary on October 24, Erdogan extended his heartfelt congratulations and expressed hope that the Organization's milestone would lead to beneficial developments for all. (ILKHA)