At U.N., Turkey to Intensify Criticism of Israel Over Gaza Conflict – Reuters

ANKARA – Turkey, a vocal critic of the Israeli military actions in Gaza, will leverage this week’s U.N. General Assembly to draw attention to what it describes as an ongoing genocide in the region and will call for increased international pressure on Israel.

President Tayyip Erdogan, along with several Turkish ministers, is set to participate in the General Assembly in New York amidst escalating tensions marked by heavy cross-border exchanges between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, coinciding with the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

As a NATO member, Turkey has vehemently condemned the military operations conducted by Israel in Gaza, which were initiated in response to a cross-border attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7 of last year. In a show of dissent, Turkey has halted all trade with Israel and has sought to join a legal case regarding genocide against Israel at the World Court.

Israel has consistently rejected the claims of genocide, asserting that its military actions in Gaza are defensive measures aimed at Hamas, the governing authority in the region.

Erdogan is scheduled to address the assembly on Tuesday, during which he intends to highlight what he terms the "ongoing genocide in Gaza" and reiterate his advocacy for reforming the U.N. structure to enhance inclusivity, according to a diplomatic source from Turkey.

The Turkish delegation, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, will persistently raise the Gaza issue in all of their discussions and bilateral engagements throughout the week, the source added.

In a recent appeal, Fidan encouraged Muslim leaders present in New York to utilize their influence this week to emphasize the situation in Gaza.

Erdogan has engaged with the leaders of Serbia and Albania since arriving in New York. The source indicated that further discussions between him and Fidan will encompass topics such as counter-terrorism, mediation efforts, regional relations, and investment opportunities.