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World leaders have gathered in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly, with this year's session expected to overwhelmingly revolve around the Israeli war on Gaza and the war in Ukraine.

Some of the most notable speakers include Secretary-General of the UN Antonio Guterres, as well as presidents like the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Brazilian President Luiz Lula da Silva, and US President Donald Trump.

Antonio Guterres, the top chief in the United Nations, opened the convention with an address that stressed the importance of unity at a time when the role of the international organization he heads has been under scrutiny.

“Eighty years ago, in a world scorched by war, leaders made a choice, cooperation over chaos, law over lawlessness, peace over conflict, and that choice gave birth to the United Nations, not as a dream for perfection, but as a practical strategy for survival of humanity,” Guterres stated.

He added, “Eighty years on, we confront again the question our founders faced, only more urgent, more intertwined, more unforgiving."

What kind of world are we building: Guterres

“What kind of world do we choose to build together, excellencies? We have our work cut out for us as our ability to carry out that work is being cut from us,” the UN Secretary-General emphasized.

Guterres declared that the world had entered an age of reckless disruption and relentless human suffering, urging the assembled leaders to observe how the foundational principles of the United Nations were under siege and to hear how the pillars of peace and progress were buckling under the weight of impunity, inequality, and indifference.

“Sovereign nations invaded, hunger weaponised, truth silenced, rising smoke from bombed-out cities, rising anger in fractured societies, rising seas, swelling coastlines, each one a warning, each one a question – what kind of world will we choose?” he added.

War on Gaza unprecedented

Guterres referenced several global conflicts, beginning with the war in Sudan and Ukraine, but giving particular emphasis to the war on Gaza, which was set to define this year’s General Debate. The UNGA held a conference on September 22, where several countries recognized a Palestinian state.

“In Gaza, the horrors are approaching a third monstrous year. They are the result of decisions that defy basic humanity. The scale of death and destruction are beyond any other conflict in my years as secretary-general,” he said.

In his address, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres further referenced the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s top court, which had delivered several orders on Gaza, including calls for "Israel" to take steps to prevent genocide, allow for investigations, and boost humanitarian aid.

“Nothing can justify the horrific Hamas terror attacks of October 7 and the taking of hostages, both of which I have repeatedly condemned. And nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people and the systematic destruction of Gaza,” he said.

Guterres then proceeded to call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of the Israeli captives, full access to humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that "we must not relent in the only viable answer to sustainable Middle East peace: a two-state solution."

The UN chief put a strong emphasis on the importance of human rights in the process of peace, stating, “We must choose human dignity and human rights. Human rights are not an ornament of peace, they are its bedrock."

“Choosing rights means more than words. It means justice over silence,” he added.

We must never give up

Concluding his address to the UNGA, Guterres promised to continue his efforts to reinvigorate the United Nations, a pledge that has defined his tenure.

“We must never give up. That is my promise to you. For peace. For dignity. For justice. For humanity. For the world we know is possible when we work as one. I will never, ever give up,” Guterres asserted.

He called for a more equitable global economy, increased funding for development, renewed commitments to address climate change, and preparations to respond to emerging technologies, notably artificial intelligence, outlining a broad agenda for international cooperation.

Brazilian president talks Gaza, climate change, Caribbean attacks

The Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva addressed the UNGA after Guterres, as Brazil is traditionally the first state to deliver a speech at the General Debate.

Lula quickly raised the recent conviction of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro for his attempts to stay in power after his 2022 election loss. “A few days ago. … a former head of state was convicted of attacking the democratic rule of law. He was investigated, indicted, tried and held accountable for his actions in a meticulous process,” he stated.

“Brazil sent a message to all aspiring autocrats and those who support them: Our democracy, our sovereignty are nonnegotiable,” the Brazilian president added.

Lula indirectly condemns US attacks in the Caribbean

Without directly naming the US, the Brazilian leader aimed at the recent US military strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean.

“The comparison between crime and terrorism is worrying,” he stated, emphasizing that “the most effective way to combat drug trafficking is to cooperate to suppress money laundering and limit arms trade. Using lethal force in situations that do not constitute armed conflict is tantamount to executing people without trial."

He warned that other regions had already experienced military interventions that caused greater damage than intended, resulting in serious humanitarian consequences, a clear reference to the civilian casualties throughout Washington’s "war on terror," predominantly in the Middle East and Africa.

Absolutely nothing justified genocide in Gaza

In his remarks, the Brazilian president discussed the ongoing war on Gaza, which has so far killed more than 65,000 people, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

Opening his remarks, Lula denounced Hamas' operation on October 7, characterizing it as "indefensible from any angle," noting, however, that "nothing, absolutely nothing justifies the ongoing genocide in Gaza."

"Under tonnes of rubble are buried tens of thousands of innocent women and children," the Brazilian leader stated, adding, "We can see that international humanitarian law and the myth of ethical exceptionalism of the West are also being buried there."

He asserted that the genocide in Gaza would not have been possible without the acquiescence of those in a position to avert it, while mentioning that hunger is being utilized by "Israel" as a wepaon of war and forced displacement of the Palestinian population in Gaza is going unpunished.

"The Palestinian people are at risk of disappearing. They will only survive with an independent state integrated into the international community," Lula added.

Climate change gets a mention at the podium

Noting that 2024 was the warmest year ever recorded, and with Brazil set to host the UN climate change conference, COP30, in two months, Lula used his speech to stress both the inequities of the impacts of climate change and the need for wealthy nations to step up.
 
“Developing nations face climate change while grappling with other challenges. Meanwhile, rich countries enjoy a standard of living reached at the expense of 200 years of greenhouse gas emissions, demanding greater ambition and greater access to resources and technology. It’s not a matter of charity, but of justice," Lula said in his speech.

Donald Trump takes center stage at New York, talks Gaza ceasefire

US President Donald Trump, despite his administration's opposition to yesterday's session on the topic of a "two-state solution" and the recognition of a Palestinian state, gave an address at the United Nations General Assembly.

Trump used his speech to talk about his "deep" engagement in seeking a ceasefire in Gaza, almost two years after the war broke out and after over 65,000 people have been killed by "Israel" with full impunity and backing from Washington.

At UNGA 2025, Trump ignited fresh controversy: Rejecting recognition of a Palestinian state, demanding captives be freed without mentioning Gaza’s devastation, boasting about assassinations of Iranian leaders, and warning of new sanctions on Russia while blaming China, India, and… pic.twitter.com/r0EmQvQzyY

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 23, 2025

“We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately. We have to stop it,” Trump said, adding, “We have to get it done. We have to negotiate peace. We have to get the hostages back. We want all 20 back."

“We have to get them back now,” he said. “We want actually the 38 dead bodies back too,” he continued.

Trump also argued that Hamas “has repeatedly rejected reasonable offers to make peace,” a claim that was rejected by the Palestinian group, which has repeatedly accused "Israel" of blocking a ceasefire agreement and has even accepted terms previously set forth by "Israel" itself.
 
The US president also reiterated his claim that the recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western countries over the last few days was a "reward" for Hamas.

Trump boasts about ending Iran's nuclear capabilties with no evidence

Trump used his platform at the UN General Debate to tout the US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, an operation carried out in June.

“Three months ago, in Operation Midnight Hammer, seven American B2 bombers dropped 30,000 pound each bombs on Iran’s key nuclear facility, totally obliterating everything. No other country on Earth could have done what we did," Trump stated.

Trump's claims are rather unsubstantiated, with a US Department of War report detailing that the US strike on Tehran's nuclear facilities only set back the program by a few months.

UN funding an assault on the West, London mayor aiming to impose 'Sharia law'

The US president additionally took aim at the United Nations itself, specifically its branch that aids migrants.

Trump's remarks seemed to allude to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), an organization that not only offers aid to migrants in perilous circumstances but also aims to reduce irregular migration by collaborating with local governments to establish safer and more lawful alternatives.

Specifically, Trump was referring to the IOM's assistance disbursement cards, which sometimes provide aid, in addition to transporting individuals based on local needs and coordination with governments.

The US president accused the United Nations of funding an attack on Western nations and their borders, stating, “The UN is supporting people that are illegally coming into the United States, and then we have to get them out. The UN also provided food, shelter, transportation and debit cards to illegal aliens."

Moreover, Trump went and claimed in his speech that the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has been trying to institute Sharia Law, stating, “I look at London where you have a terrible mayor. A terrible, terrible mayor,” he said, adding that Mayor Khan wants to impose “Sharia law”.

War in Ukraine 'not making Russia look good'

Trump has repeatedly referenced the situation in Ukraine, stating that he initially believed ending the war would be simpler than it has proven to be because his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin had, in his words, always been a good one.

He stated that Russia's war in Ukraine is damaging to Russia's international image, while also sharply criticizing EU nations for their continued purchases of Russian oil and gas, despite most having made efforts to reduce their reliance.

Climate change denial takes the spotlight

The US president went on in his speech to claim that climate change is a hoax, in a stark contrast to the UN Secretary-General Guterres and Brazilian President Lula, both of whom expressed concern regarding the worsening climate catastrophe on the planet.

He claimed climate change is the “greatest con job ever perpetuated on the world," calling it a “fake energy catastrophe" and adding, “The carbon footprint is a hoax, made up by people with evil intentions, and they’re heading down a path of total destruction.”

Trump then spent several minutes railing against clean energy policies and other practices aimed at tackling the climate crisis, calling renewable energy expensive and ineffective and characterizing it as a scam.

He went as far as to claim that “if you don’t get away from this green scam, your country is going to fail.”

European countries 'are going to hell'

After exceeding his allotted 15 minutes to give a speech, Trump proceeded to take a jab at European countries, namely Germany, Greece, and Switzerland.

In his speech, Trump leveled an accusation that several countries were involved in an "open borders experiment," even though each of them maintains rigorous immigration policies.

“Your countries are going to hell. In America, we’ve taken bold action to swiftly shut down uncontrolled migration once we started detaining and deporting everyone who crossed the border and removing illegal aliens from the United States, they simply stopped coming,” Trump stated.

Trump then hailed the US attacks on boats in the Caribbean, delivering a warning: “To every terrorist thug smuggling poisonous drugs into the United States of America, please be warned that we will blow you out of existence."

Trump says he, Lula will talk

Trump mentioned that he and Lula shared an embrace upon meeting at the entrance to the UN building and arranged to meet again the following week. He described Lula as a seemingly "nice guy".

Migration, renewable energy bane for the world: Trump

The US president has concluded his speech after a whopping 55 minutes, far exceeding the 15-minute guideline, during which he reiterated what he identified as the two defining issues facing the world.

“In closing, I just want to repeat that immigration and the high cost of so-called green renewable energy is destroying a large part of the free world and a large part of our planet,” Trump stated.

“Countries that cherish freedom are fading fast because of their policies on these two subjects. You need strong borders and traditional energy sources if you are going to be great again, whether you have come from north or south, east or west, near or far,” he added.

“So together, let us uphold our sacred duty to our people and to our citizens. Let us protect their borders, ensure their safety, preserve their cultures, treasure their traditions and fight, fight, fight for their precious dreams and their cherished freedom,” Trump continued.

Prabowo draws parallels between Indonesia, Palestine

Following Trump, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto took to the podium, giving a speech that heavily linked the war on Gaza to the history of Indonesia without naming "Israel" and rarely mentioning Gaza by name.

He stated that his country is ready to deploy 20,000 peacekeepers to Gaza or, as he put it, anywhere else requiring peace, such as Ukraine.

“My country knows this pain for centuries. Indonesians lived under colonial domination, oppression and slavery, we were treated less than dogs in our own homeland,” he said.

"We Indonesians know what it means to be denied justice and what it means to live in apartheid, to live in poverty and to be denied equal opportunity, we also knew what can do in our struggle for independence, in our fight to overcome hunger, disease and poverty," he stated.

Prabowo highlighted the United Nations' historical role in assisting Indonesia to first achieve its independence and subsequently develop, before turning his focus to what he described as the "genocide and blatant disregard for international law and human decency" being witnessed in the world today.

Prabowo pleads for an independent Palestine

Indonesia's president declared, "We will never forget and today, we must never be silent while Palestinians are denied that same justice and legitimacy in this very hall," while adding that the United Nations "exists to reject this doctrine – we must stand for all the strong and the weak."

He concluded his speech with an impassioned plea for regional peace, calling for an independent Palestine while simultaneously stressing the need to recognize "Israel's" safety and security as a necessary condition for achieving a genuine and lasting peace.
 
“The only solution is that the two descendants of Abraham must live with reconciliation. Arabs, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhist – all religions, we must live as one human family," Prabowo said.

“Indonesia is committed to being part of making this vision a reality. Is this a dream? Maybe, but this is the beautiful dream that we must work together towards," he added, concluding his statement.

Erdogan condemns silence over Gaza

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan then addressed the United Nations General Assembly, immediately pointing out the absence of Palestinian Authority and Palestinian Liberation Organization officials, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

“I would like to first express my regret at the absence today of the president of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, at a time when Palestine is being recognised by an increasing number of countries,” Erdogan said.

“I stand here on this podium alongside my 86 million citizens, also for our Palestinian brothers and sisters whose voices are being silenced, I’d like to thank all the countries who announced that they recognised the state of Palestine, and I call on all the other countries who have not done so yet to do so to recognise the state of Palestine as soon as possible,” he added.

'Israel' failed to bury the truth with journalists

Erdogan stated that Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed more than 250 journalists and emphasized that, despite "Israel" having closed all entrances to Gaza, they have still been unable to cover up the genocide.

He commended Guterres’ efforts to draw attention to the ongoing genocide but added that the United Nations has not even been able to protect its own personnel.

Erdogan points to the famine in Gaza

The Turkish president dedicated a significant portion of his remarks to "Israel's" war on Gaza, and he presented to the UN General Assembly a photograph that he says depicts the daily reality in Gaza, showing hungry women holding buckets and pots as they wait for food.

“Just feel your conscience and answer the following question. Can we possibly have a reasonable reason for this brutality in 2025?” Erdogan stated.

“This shameful picture has been unfolding in Gaza and is being repeated for 23 months now,"  the Turkish president stated, adding, “What kind of a human consciousness can possibly bear this? How can one stay silent vis-a-vis this? In a world where children are dying of starvation and lack of medication, can we possibly have calm and peace?”

Strike on Qatar proves 'Israel' completely out of control

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan then went on to point out "Israel's" aggressions outside of Gaza, bringing up the widespread Israeli airstrikes on Yemen, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, and Qatar.

“Israel is not limiting itself to Gaza and the West Bank only but has launched attacks on Syria, on Iran, Yemen and Lebanon. Israel is also threatening regional peace,” he stated.

“Just recently, an Israeli attack took place against a [Hamas] delegation meeting in Qatar for ceasefire negotiations. The attack on Qatar has also shown that the Israeli leadership is now completely out of control,” he emphasized.

Silence is complicity

Regarding "Israel’s" war on Gaza, the Turkish president stated, "We cannot continue with this madness any more," adding, "We have to have a ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible."

“Attacks should stop. Humanitarian aid should be able to enter with no obstacles,” he stated, demanding that those responsible for the genocide in Gaza be held accountable.

The Turkish president stated that anyone who remains silent is complicit in this barbarity, as he urged world leaders to take a firm stand in solidarity with both the oppressed Palestinians and the cause of humanity.

“Why are your people back home reacting to the barbarity in Gaza? Do show courage to take action here. Fulfill your humanitarian duty towards Gaza where children are raising children," he continued.

Erdogan pledges support for Syria

With the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime on December 8, Erdogan said the country has "opened the doors to a new period," adding that he has great hope the people of Syria will be able to rebuild their nation.

Furthermore, the Turkish president pledged military support for the Syrian Army to "the vision of a one and unified Syria with no forms of terrorism, especially ISIS."

Turkiye will continue to pursue Ukraine-Russia ceasefire

On the topic of the war in Ukraine, Erdogan pointed to the role of Turkey in the process of a peace agreement between Kiev and Moscow and emphasized that his country, being part of NATO and a close trading partner of Russia, will continue to pursue peace between the two.

“Through direct talks, we facilitated the exchange of several prisoners and bodies, and we worked to identify the modalities of peace negotiations between the parties,” Erdogan stated, adding, “Don’t forget: There is no winner of war and no losers of a just peace. So with this matter in mind, in the coming days also, we will continue to work hard for a peaceful ceasefire."

Erdogan congratulates Armenia, Azerbaijan

Turning his attention to the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Turkish president stated that Turkeyis "pleased" by the recent steps taken toward enabling a lasting peace between the two countries.

He went on to congratulate the neighboring leaders, as well as Trump, for their contributions to this process, while also noting that the normalization process between Türkiye and Armenia is "progressing as planned."

King Abdullah outlines injustice faced by Palestinians

Jordan's King Abdullah, speaking after President Erdogan, focused his address almost exclusively on Palestine, stating that failing to address the war on Gaza would "signal acceptance of the situation and abandonment of our humanity," before declaring, "And that I will not do."

“Our UN General Assembly was born 80 years ago, pledging to learn from and not repeat history. The world vowed never again,” he stated, noting that “however, for almost as long, Palestinians have been living through a cruel cycle. Yet again, bombed indiscriminately, yet again, killed, injured and maimed, yet again, displaced and dispossessed, yet again denied rights, dignity, their basic humanity."

"So I must ask, for how long?" he added.

War on Gaza 'darkest moment'

Calling "Israel’s" war on Gaza “one of the darkest moments in this institution’s history,” Jordan’s King Abdullah noted that the injustices underpinning the situation stretch back for decades. He then pointed out that the Palestinian struggle has been on the United Nations' agenda throughout the institution's existence for over 8 decades.

“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," King Abdullah stated.

He noted that interim agreements and temporary stopgaps have failed to achieve lasting peace, arguing that many would contend these processes instead served as a distraction while "Israel" seized more land, expanded illegal settlements, and demolished homes, displacing entire neighborhoods.

King Abdullah warns of religious war

Jordan's leader criticized "Israel" for its threats to attack the al-Aqsa Mosque, a site that remains a constant point of contention in the Palestinian-Israeli struggle.

“Its hostile rhetoric calling for the targeting of Al-Aqsa Mosque will incite a religious war that would reach far beyond the region and lead to an all-out clash that no nation will be able to escape," he stated.

Moreover, the Jordanian Hing warned that the Israeli government's provocative pursuit of a so-called "greater Israel" can only be realized through the blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of surrounding countries, pointing to Israeli violations of Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and most recently Qatar.

'Two-state solution' the only answer

The Jordanian King ended his speech by making a call to establish a Palestinian State, claiming that a "two-state solution" is the only way to lasting peace.

“Security will only come when Palestine and Israel begin to coexist side by side. This is the two state solution, in line with international law and UN resolutions, an independent and viable Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, alongside the state of Israel," he stressed.

“For the past two years, we have finally seen the world’s conscience stirring in the courage of ordinary people from every walk of life and every corner of the globe, raising their voices as one and declaring it has been too long. This United Nations must echo that call. It has been too long, and it must act on that call until peace is a reality," he added.

Qatari Emir takes the stage, condemns 'Israel'

Speaking after King Abdullah II of Jordan, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stated that the international rules-based order must be respected by all, while pointing to the attack earlier this month on Qatar by "Israel".

“These rules are based on the maintenance of international peace and security and the respect for human dignity and state sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs and to cooperate for the benefit of our peoples,” he said.

“This means, if we allow violations to continue, it means allowing the rule of the jungle, where perpetrators and violators enjoy benefits just because they can,” he added.

The Qatari emir continued to criticize "Israel", noting that while it claims to be a" democratic country surrounded by enemies," it is actually an enemy to its own neighbors and is engaged in genocide.

He noted that the nations surrounding "Israel" have committed themselves to peace through several signed agreements, but pointed out that "Israel" aims to paint anyone who opposes its will as either "antisemitic" or a "terrorist".

“Even Israel’s allies realize this fact and reject it, and here we are today, where we witness an international solidarity movement that is similar to the international movement against apartheid last century," Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani added.

'Israel' 'rogue state' feeding its settlers delusions

Qatar's emir further highlighted what he called the treacherous attack on September 9 that targeted Hamas' negotiating delegation in Doha within a residential neighborhood housing schools and diplomatic missions.

He called the attack a political assassination that "undermines any diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the genocide against the people in Gaza," saying it underscores that Israel has become a "rogue state".

“They [Israel] negotiate with delegations and plot to assassinate the members of the negotiation teams. It is difficult to cooperate with such a mentality that does not respect the most minimum standards of cooperation,” the Qatari emir emphasized.

“They consider negotiations a continuation of war in other means and a way to delude the Israeli public opinion,” he stated, pointing out that "Israel's" goal is to destroy Gaza so that it is "unliveable".

This is a developing story...