Erdogan calls Gaza suffering 'most embarrassing concentration camp' in UNGA speech

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the UN General Assembly, calling for Security Council reform and condemning the situation in Gaza as "our time's most inhumane, most embarrassing concentration camp." He urged nations to increase pressure on Israel to end the war and called for wider recognition of a Palestinian state, while criticizing the UN's structure as unfair.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, delivering a sharp critique of the UN's structure and Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Erdogan argued that the Security Council, where five permanent members hold veto power over 190 nations, is neither fair nor capable of maintaining trust. He stated that the UN, established 81 years ago to preserve peace, has been made unable to fulfill that mission. On Gaza, Erdogan condemned the situation as "our time's most inhumane, most embarrassing concentration camp" and urged countries that do not recognize a Palestinian state to review their position. He called on all nations to increase pressure on Israel to end the war. Turkey, a NATO member, has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel's actions in Gaza, describing them as genocide — a charge Israel denies. The speech was delivered at the 81st UNGA session in New York on September 22, 2026.