Erdogan Condemns Ban on Mahmoud Abbas Attending UN General Assembly

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called upon nations across the globe on Wednesday (22/09/2026) to recognise the State of Palestine. Erdogan emphasised that Turkey will continue to advocate for the independence of the Palestinian people on the international stage.

Delivering his address during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Erdogan condemned the United States government’s decision to prevent Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from attending the meeting. He described the action as “an injustice, a form of oppression, and a black stain.”

The Turkish President stated that the Israeli government continues to reject efforts to halt the massacre in Gaza. Furthermore, he noted that Israel is reluctant to proceed to the second phase of the plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.

He warned that the world is facing a “genocidal mentality that is never satisfied,” describing the current situation as increasingly perilous.

Erdogan also criticised the United Nations’ inability to stop the bloodshed in Palestine, Sudan, and Lebanon, asserting that the international organisation has failed to fulfil its most fundamental responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, stated that there can be no truly just international order as long as Palestine remains a “blind spot” within it.

Speaking before the UN General Assembly, Sheikh Tamim affirmed that Qatar will continue its mediation efforts to strengthen the ceasefire in Gaza and pave the way towards lasting peace. However, he warned that parties viewing the forced displacement of Palestinians as a solution may attempt to obstruct the implementation of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.