Erdogan Calls for UN Overhaul, Urges Recognition of Palestinian State

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan used his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to press for reform of the Security Council and to call on more countries to recognise a Palestinian state.

Erdogan, who has long argued for a broader and more representative Security Council, said the current arrangement leaves the wishes of more than 190 nations at the mercy of five permanent members. Such a system, he argued, is neither just nor able to inspire full confidence.

He said the United Nations, founded 81 years ago to keep peace and security, had become incapable of carrying out that mission — or had been rendered incapable of doing so.

Turning to Gaza, Erdogan condemned the situation there, saying no one with humanity, compassion, mercy, justice or conscience could ignore what was happening. He described the war as "our time's most inhumane, most embarrassing concentration camp."

He noted that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had been unable to address the hall for two consecutive years, calling the treatment of Palestinians a wound to the world's conscience.

Erdogan urged countries that have not recognised a Palestinian state to reconsider their stance, and called on all nations to step up pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza.

Turkey, a NATO member, has been among the most vocal critics of Israel's campaign in Gaza, describing its attacks as genocide and repeatedly pushing for international action against Israel. Israel rejects the genocide allegations.