UNGA Opened, Focusing on Gaza, Ukraine, Iran
DID Press: 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) opened on Tuesday in New York. On the first day, over 30 world leaders addressed the assembly, focusing on global issues including Gaza conflict, the Ukraine crisis, terrorism, climate change, human rights, and Iran’s nuclear program.
Opening Session
The meeting began with remarks from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Assembly President Annalena Baerbock. Following tradition, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke first, followed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Key Speeches
Iraq: President Abdul Latif Rashid emphasized Baghdad’s role as a bridge between East and West and called for implementation of UN resolutions on Palestine.
Poland: Andrzej Duda accused Russia of prolonging the war and said Warsaw had increased its military budget to unprecedented levels.
Colombia: Gustavo Petro called for Trump to face trial over alleged “war crimes and drug trafficking” and accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.
France: Emmanuel Macron defended Security Council reform and said coming hours would be “critical” for Iran and the IAEA.
Lebanon: President Michel Aoun identified Israel as the main obstacle to disarmament efforts.
Qatar: Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad called Israel’s recent attack on Doha a “clear violation of international law” and accused Tel Aviv of seeking Gaza’s destruction.
Jordan: King Abdullah urged immediate recognition of a Palestinian state, saying that “mere condemnations are not enough.”
Turkey: Displaying images of victims, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Israel of “genocide” in Gaza which is using hunger as a weapon. He reiterated his slogan: “The world is bigger than five.”
Indonesia: President Joko Widodo proposed deploying forces to protect peace in Gaza.
United States: Donald Trump claimed he had ended “seven endless wars” and the potential war between Iran and Israel, dismissed climate change as “the world’s greatest hoax,” and opposed to recognition of a Palestinian state.
Notable Events
Trump’s motorcade was briefly delayed when the UN entrance escalator malfunctioned. Erdoğan’s display of photos of women and children in Gaza drew strong reactions in the hall.
Summary
The first day of the assembly was dominated by Gaza conflict and the Ukraine crisis. Islamic and Arab leaders called for an immediate halt to the fighting and recognition of Palestine, while Western leaders focused on Ukraine and confronting Russia. Controversial remarks by Trump added a notable element to the day’s proceedings.