New york city: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on world leaders to stand with the oppressed and persecuted Palestinian people. In a speech during the opening session of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City, Erdogan said: “I call on all world leaders, today is the day to stand with the oppressed Palestinians.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Erdogan expressed gratitude to countries that have announced their intention to recognize the State of Palestine and urged others to follow suit. He highlighted the plight of approximately 2.5 million Palestinians in Gaza, who are being displaced daily within a limited area. Erdogan stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that for 23 months, a child has been killed every hour by Israeli actions in Gaza.

Erdogan lamented the normalization of scenes depicting children with amputated limbs in Gaza, asserting that such brutality is unprecedented in recent history. He questioned the global conscience, asking how such acts could be tolerated and emphasized that the situation in Gaza is not a war on terror but a policy of occupation and mass killing.

The Turkish President pointed out the disparity in power between a well-equipped Israeli army and unarmed Palestinian civilians. He warned that Israel’s threat extends beyond Gaza, affecting regional peace with its actions in Syria, Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon.

Erdogan called for accountability under international law for the perpetrators of what he described as genocide in Gaza. He accused the Israeli administration of pursuing an expansionist policy and stated that its actions are causing concern among conscientious Jews and fueling anti-Semitism globally.

Addressing the Syrian issue, Erdogan expressed optimism that the Syrian people will achieve their aspirations, leading to stability that benefits them, neighboring countries, and the region.