During the General Debate of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday, leaders urged an end to the ongoing violence in the Middle East, with some directly criticizing Israel for alleged “genocide” against Palestinians. UNGA President Philemon Yang emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in various conflict zones, including the Hamas-Israel war, and called for compliance with international humanitarian law.
In his report, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the global challenges facing world leaders, such as escalating conflicts, climate change, and poverty. He warned of deepening geopolitical divisions and the rising threat of nuclear tensions, describing the current situation as a “powder keg.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed solidarity with those suffering from what he described as apartheid in Gaza, advocating for collective action through the UN to alleviate civilian suffering. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of violating human rights and committing ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people.
