The United Nations General Assembly witnessed impassioned speeches from world leaders on Tuesday, as they convened to discuss the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With the death toll exceeding 41,000 since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, the leaders articulated their concerns and called for urgent action to alleviate the suffering of civilians in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was one of the first to take the podium, delivering a stark warning about the state of the United Nations and the principles it was founded upon. He asserted that the UN system is “dying,” paralleling the increasing number of casualties in Gaza. Erdogan condemned Israel’s military actions as barbaric and criticized nations that support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. “Not only children are dying in Gaza; the truth is dying, the values that the West claims to defend are dying,” he stated. Erdogan challenged the UN Security Council, asking, “What are you waiting for to prevent the genocide in Gaza?” His remarks were met with applause, as he urged international leaders to take a stand against the ongoing violence.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed Erdogan’s sentiments, labeling the situation in Gaza as a “burning issue” that requires immediate global attention. Speaking to CNN while navigating the bustling UN headquarters, he remarked, “The world should sit down and resolve this. This gathering should be the place for the conflict to be resolved.” Sharif’s defense minister, Khawaja Asif, added that although the UN may be a “weak platform” for critical discussions, it remains the only multilateral venue available. Sharif reiterated Pakistan's longstanding call for a ceasefire, emphasizing that diplomatic relations with Israel are non-existent and highlighting the need for a humanitarian resolution.

U.S. President Joe Biden addressed the assembly with a tone of empathy and urgency, acknowledging the pain felt by innocent civilians on both sides of the conflict. Reflecting on the hostage situation stemming from the Hamas attacks in Israel, he stated, “I’ve met with the families of those hostages. I’ve grieved with them. They’re going through hell.” Biden lamented the immense suffering in Gaza, citing the thousands of casualties, including aid workers, and the overwhelming humanitarian crisis. He called on both parties to finalize a ceasefire agreement, saying, “Now is the time for the parties to bring the hostages home and secure safety for Israel and Gaza.” His call for a peaceful resolution underscored the importance of easing the humanitarian crisis and restoring hope for the future.

In a similar vein, Jordan’s King Abdullah delivered a poignant critique of the UN’s role in the ongoing crisis, stating that the organization is “under attack” as it fails to protect civilians in Gaza. He painted a grim picture of the situation, where UN aid trucks are immobilized just miles from desperate Palestinian communities. Abdullah called for the establishment of a robust protection mechanism for Palestinians, declaring, “This is the moral duty of the international community.” He urged global leaders to take action to ensure the safety of both Palestinians and Israelis, citing the urgent need for an “international Gaza humanitarian gateway” to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies like food, water, and medicine to those in need.

The speeches delivered during the assembly not only reflected the leaders’ concerns over the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza but also highlighted the broader implications of the conflict on regional stability and international relations. The assembly served as a platform for these leaders to unite in their calls for immediate action, emphasizing the necessity of collective responsibility in addressing one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time. As the world watches, the fate of Gaza hangs in the balance, prompting urgent calls for peace and intervention from the international community.