ANKARA, Turkey: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan urged the United Nations General Assembly to recommend the use of force if the UN Security Council cannot halt Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza and Lebanon. Referring to the 1950 “Uniting for Peace” resolution, Erdogan stated that the General Assembly could step in if the Security Council’s permanent members—Britain, China, France, Russia, and the U.S.—are unable to maintain international peace due to disagreements.
Turkey, a NATO member, has condemned Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. In response, Turkey has ceased all trade with Israel and joined a genocide case against the country at the International Court of Justice, a move Israel rejects.
Erdogan also criticized Muslim nations for not taking a stronger stance against Israel, calling on them to apply economic, diplomatic, and political pressure to force Israel into accepting a ceasefire. He warned that if Israel’s attacks are not stopped, other Muslim countries could become targets. Erdogan called for global and Muslim-world solidarity to ensure peace for all people in the region, including Muslims, Jews, and Christians.
