Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of a 'genocidal mindset' during an address to the UN General Assembly, warning that the international body had been forced into dysfunction over conflicts in Palestine, Lebanon and Sudan.
Key facts
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the UN General Assembly on 22 September 2026.
- Erdogan accused Israel of a 'genocidal mindset', according to Al Jazeera.
- He said the UN had been forced into 'dysfunction'.
- Erdogan said the UN was 'bleeding out' in Palestine, Lebanon and Sudan.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a blistering address to the UN General Assembly on 22 September 2026, accusing Israel of a ‘genocidal mindset’, according to Al Jazeera.
In his remarks, the Turkish leader also turned his criticism toward the United Nations itself, saying the body had been forced into ‘dysfunction’. Erdogan argued that the organisation was ‘bleeding out’ in Palestine, Lebanon and Sudan, according to Al Jazeera.
The comments were among the sharpest levelled at Israel from the podium of the General Assembly, placing Erdogan’s long-standing criticism of Israeli policy at the centre of his appearance before world leaders.
Al Jazeera reported the accusation in both its written coverage and video newsfeed of the address, underscoring the prominence of Erdogan’s language during the session.
The available reporting focuses on Erdogan’s characterisation of Israel and his broader assessment of the UN’s effectiveness across several conflicts. Further details of his full remarks were not specified in the sources.
Why it matters
Erdogan's remarks reflect deep and continuing tensions between Turkey and Israel and add to international scrutiny of conflicts in Palestine, Lebanon and Sudan. His criticism of the UN itself raises broader questions about the body's ability to respond to global crises.
Frequently asked questions
What did Erdogan say at the UN General Assembly?
According to Al Jazeera, Erdogan accused Israel of a 'genocidal mindset' and said the UN had been forced into 'dysfunction', describing it as 'bleeding out' in Palestine, Lebanon and Sudan.
When did Erdogan make these comments?
Erdogan made the remarks during his address to the UN General Assembly on 22 September 2026, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Which conflicts did Erdogan mention?
Erdogan referenced Palestine, Lebanon and Sudan, saying the UN was 'bleeding out' in these areas.