World Leaders Demand Action as Gaza Crisis Dominates 79th UN General Assembly
October 2, 2024US President Joe Biden delivered a farewell speech reflecting on various global conflicts, including those in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, but faced criticism for not making strong calls to action.
The 79th UN General Assembly convened in New York from late September 2023, gathering leaders from 193 member states to address pressing global issues.
The assembly's discussions were heavily influenced by the ongoing crises in Gaza and Lebanon, particularly following increased Israeli military actions.
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for international intervention in Gaza, labeling the area as the world's largest cemetery for women and children.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other leaders echoed calls for an end to violence, describing the situation in Gaza as genocide.
World leaders from nations such as South Africa, Brazil, and Jordan condemned Israel's actions and demanded an immediate halt to the violence.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres characterized the situation in Gaza as a 'non-stop nightmare' and expressed fears that Lebanon could become another Gaza.
Guterres also warned against the impunity in global politics and called for reforms to preserve the legitimacy of international institutions.
Erdogan criticized the UN for its ineffective response to global crises and emphasized the need for reform in international organizations, particularly the UN Security Council.
Discussions at the assembly included significant calls for reform of the UN Security Council to address perceived biases in global decision-making.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced protests during his speech at the assembly, which was marked by a notably empty hall, contrasting with his previous support in the US Congress.
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