ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the United Nations Security Council, labeling it the “Israel Protection Council” following the US veto of a ceasefire resolution for Gaza.
Erdogan expressed dissatisfaction with the Security Council’s handling of the situation, particularly highlighting the US’s role in opposing the ceasefire amid Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
“Since October 7, the Security Council has become an Israel protection and defense council,” Erdogan stated. During Friday’s Security Council meeting, the resolution calling for a ceasefire was rejected, with the United States being the sole vote against it.
Erdogan questioned the justice of the decision and criticized the composition of the Security Council, emphasizing the need for reform.
Erdogan Calls for Urgent Reform of UN Security Council
Erdogan has been a vocal critic of the Israeli attacks on Gaza, which escalated after a surprise attack by Palestinian resistance group Hamas on October 7. He reiterated his call for urgent reform of the Security Council, stating that the current structure does not adequately represent the world.
The Turkish president emphasized that the world is larger than the five permanent members of the Security Council and asserted that justice can only be achieved without the involvement of the United States.
The US vetoed the resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Friday, leading Erdogan to question the extent of the US’s support for Israel. He accused the United States of standing by Israel financially and militarily, adding a rhetorical question, “Hey, America! How much are you going to pay for that?”
Erdogan criticized the ongoing violations of human rights in Gaza and expressed the belief that another world is possible without the involvement of the United States.
