New York: Europe and the Arabs
Gaza dominated the speeches at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, amid growing calls to end the war and recognize the Palestinian state. The divergence of positions was evident, as were some insistence on continuing on a path the world has witnessed only wars and conflicts, accompanied by dwindling confidence in international law.
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly witnessed a torrent of fiery speeches on Tuesday, reflecting the extent of the international division over hot issues, most notably the war in Gaza, humanitarian crises, and the struggle for global influence. US President Donald Trump's speech was the most controversial, with his direct attack on the international organization and his boasting of American power, while regional leaders escalated their rhetoric in defense of Palestine. In a report by the Brussels-based Euronews news network, covering the speeches of world leaders, entitled "Guterres: Humanity in an Age of Chaos," the report said that UN Secretary-General António Guterres painted a bleak picture of the global landscape, warning that humanity has entered a "cruel era of turmoil and suffering," and that the foundations of peace are disintegrating under the weight of "impunity and inequality." He paused on Gaza, describing its horrors as "approaching their third year," stressing that "nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people or the systematic destruction of their livelihoods," noting that famine has become a reality there. He also warned that reducing humanitarian aid represents "a death sentence for many," referring to the reduction in international funding since Trump's return to the White House.
Trump: Attack on the UN and Boast of American Power
US President Donald Trump launched a fierce attack on the United Nations, claiming that it "does not contribute to building peace" and mocking its headquarters in New York. He said, "We have the strongest economy, the strongest army, and the strongest borders," noting that $17 trillion in investments have entered the United States during his term. He announced the end of "seven wars" and affirmed his deservingness for the Nobel Peace Prize.
On the Gaza issue, he stressed that ending the war and returning prisoners are priorities, accusing Hamas of rejecting repeated ceasefire offers. He also renewed his accusation that Iran is the "first sponsor of terrorism" and confirmed that he offered cooperation to the Iranian Supreme Leader, who "responded with threats" to US President Donald Trump in the UN General Assembly Hall.
In Ukraine, he pledged to impose heavy tariffs to quickly end the war, criticizing Europe, India, and China for purchasing Russian oil. On the climate issue, he described global warming as a "big hoax," mocking "environmental extremists who want to kill cows."
He praised his tough policy on combating crime, including sending military units to Washington and launching raids on Venezuelan boats he says are being used for drug smuggling. He said, "To every terrorist criminal smuggling toxic drugs into the United States, please be warned that we will wipe you out."
He adopted a particularly strong tone on the issue of immigration, which was a major focus of his two election campaigns, accusing the United Nations of "funding an attack" on the West.
He said, "It is time to end the failed test of open borders," warning that "your countries are on the road to hell."
Erdogan: Gaza is one of humanity's darkest moments
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described what is happening in Gaza as "genocide broadcast live," highlighting the killing of more than 20,000 children in 23 months. He called on countries that have not recognized Palestine to do so immediately, stressing that "for 23 months, a child has been killed every hour in Gaza." He added that Israel "threatens the security of the region and destroys the foundations of peace," considering what is happening to represent "one of humanity's darkest moments."
Emir of Qatar: Attack on Qatar is State Terrorism
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, condemned the Israeli attack on Doha, which killed six people, including a Qatari, describing it as a "blatant violation of international norms and state terrorism." He stressed that his country had engaged in "arduous mediation" to stop the war and had faced disinformation campaigns, but that it would not back down from its efforts. He added that Israel seeks to impose its will on the region and portray all opponents as "terrorists or anti-Semites," accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of viewing the war as an opportunity to expand settlements and bury peace.
Abdullah II: The War on Gaza is One of the Darkest Events at the United Nations
King Abdullah II of Jordan said that the war in Gaza represents "one of the darkest events in the history of the United Nations," stressing that Palestinians are repeatedly denied their basic rights. He explained that recognition of the State of Palestine is "not a reward but an indisputable right," emphasizing that security will only be achieved when Palestine and Israel live side by side. He considered Israeli calls for a "Greater Israel" unacceptable, accusing the Israeli government of undermining the foundations of peace and violating the sovereignty of the countries of the region.
Between Guterres' warnings, Trump's attacks, and the arguments of Erdoğan, Sheikh Tamim, and Abdullah II, the UN podium seemed like a mirror of global chaos, with Gaza taking center stage, and a picture emerging of a world torn by wars, famine, and dwindling confidence in international law.