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The Israeli delegation abruptly left the United Nations General Assembly hall on Tuesday as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a scathing condemnation of Israel's military actions in Gaza, creating a dramatic moment amid deep diplomatic tensions over the ongoing conflict.
As Erdogan entered the assembly hall to applause and began presenting what he described as evidence of Gaza's humanitarian crisis, the Israeli representatives were observed departing the venue. The walkout occurred as the Turkish President prepared to deliver one of his strongest criticisms of Israeli policy on the international stage.
"For the past 23 months, one child has been ruthlessly killed every hour in Gaza by Israel," Erdogan declared from the podium, emphasizing that "these are not numbers, but each one is a life, an innocent human being." The Turkish president described the situation as "the lowest point of humanity," drawing visceral comparisons about children's suffering.
Erdogan painted a grim picture of daily life for Gaza's 2.5 million residents, who he said are displaced within the territory's 365 square kilometers and "forced to move to another area" each day. "Unfortunately, innocent children aged 2-3 without hands, arms, or legs have become the ordinary photograph of Gaza today," he stated.
The president categorically rejected Israeli characterizations of its military campaign, stating: "There is no war in Gaza. On one side, there is a regular army with the most modern and deadliest weapons, and on the other side, there are innocent civilians."
Erdogan characterized Israel's actions not as counterterrorism but as "a policy of deportation, exile, genocide, mass slaughter" conducted under the pretext of the October 7 events. He accused Israeli leadership of being "obsessed with promised land" and pursuing "expansionist policy" that undermines "regional peace and humanity's common achievements."
"Humanity has not witnessed such brutality in the last century," Erdogan declared, demanding justice: "The perpetrators of genocide must be held accountable under international law. This will certainly happen."
The Turkish leader issued a direct appeal to the international community: "I call on all world leaders; today is the day to stand firmly with the oppressed Palestinians in the name of humanity." He thanked countries that have recognized Palestine and urged those that have not "to act without delay."
Beyond the Palestinian issue, Erdogan discussed Türkiye's strengthening relations with NATO ally the United States "across many areas, especially trade, investment, energy, and defense industry." He also addressed Cyprus, calling for international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and rejecting previously attempted federation models.
The speech highlighted Türkiye's positioning as a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights on the international stage, while the Israeli delegation's departure provided a stark visual representation of the diplomatic divide over the conflict.
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