World leaders denounce Gaza war as ‘genocide’, demand two-state solution
At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), speeches denouncing Israel's war in Gaza dominated the meeting, with leaders urging a renewed push for a two-state solution.
Jordan's King Abdullah II delivered a searing rebuke of Israeli leadership, calling the war in Gaza "one of the darkest moments in this institution's history."
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He pressed the Assembly: "How long will we be satisfied with condemnation after condemnation without concrete action? When it comes to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it seems that what unfolds in the halls of power is theory; the struggles and suffering on the ground are reality."
He accused Israel of using interim deals with the Palestinian Authority as cover to expand settlements. "Israel grabbed more land, expanded illegal settlements, demolished homes, and displaced entire neighbourhoods."
King Abdullah, whose country is custodian of Jerusalem's holy sites, charged: "Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem have been vandalised and desecrated by those under government protection."
He cited devastating tolls in Gaza: "More than 60,000 Palestinians killed, 50,000 children injured or killed, miles of burnt-out rubble... widespread starvation."
He lamented that "never in our modern history has the lenses of international media been obstructed like this from capturing the reality on the ground."
UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed the urgency, describing Gaza's conflict as "approaching a third monstrous year" and accusing Israel of "collective punishment."
"They are the result of decisions that defy basic humanity," he said, while reiterating that "nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people and the systematic destruction of Gaza."
Guterres called for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a two-state solution.
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani accused Israel of genocide and sabotage of peace efforts, saying its "treacherous September 9 attack on the Hamas leadership in Doha" sought to derail Qatari-brokered talks.
"Israel has chosen war over the return of its remaining 48 hostages," he told the Assembly.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan displayed images of Gaza's devastation, declaring: "A genocide is continuing in Gaza; even as we meet here, innocent people are dying... This is not a fight against terrorism. This is an occupation, deportation, exile, genocide, and destruction of life."
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto struck a conditional note, pledging recognition of Israel only if it first recognised Palestine.
"We must also guarantee the safety and security of Israel. Only then can we have real peace."
He ended his speech with the Hebrew word for peace: "Shalom."
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