World leaders and heads of major organizations gathered in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized the urgent need to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages while simultaneously launching a strong criticism of the UN, accusing it of failing to support peace efforts. He also warned Russia of potential sanctions unless it ceases its actions in Ukraine and urged European nations to halt all energy purchases from Russia. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that the world has entered a chaotic era of fragmentation and ongoing humanitarian suffering, with the foundations of global peace increasingly threatened by a lack of accountability and waning commitment to international law. Egypt announced its intention to host a conference for the reconstruction of Gaza once a ceasefire is achieved.
Trump condemned the announcements by Western nations recognizing a Palestinian state, calling such actions a reward for what he described as the horrific deeds committed by Hamas. In his address to the General Assembly, he stressed that major powers should instead focus on freeing the hostages held in Gaza.
He stated: “Rather than caving to Hamas’s demands for hostages, those who desire peace must unite behind one message: free the hostages now—just release the hostages.” Trump called for the immediate release of all living hostages and the return of the deceased, asserting, “We must end the war in Gaza immediately; it must be stopped once and for all.”
Trump launched a fierce critique of the UN, citing its inaction in promoting peace initiatives, claiming he resolved several global conflicts without its help. He added, “I ended seven wars and engaged leaders from all these countries without even receiving a phone call from the UN offering assistance in reaching any agreement.”
He labeled climate change as the greatest fraud ever, arguing that the concept of carbon footprints is a deception created by individuals with malicious intent seeking total destruction.
Trump further warned Russia of tariffs if it does not bring the Ukraine conflict to an end, intensifying pressure on his European partners. He indicated that if Moscow does not agree to a peace deal, Washington would implement a robust set of tariffs to halt the violence, remarking, “However, for these tariffs to be effective, countries in Europe, all of you gathered here, must join us in adopting the exact same measures… You must stop all energy purchases from Russia immediately; Europe must expedite this process.”
He contended that Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons and vowed his administration would spearhead international efforts to enforce agreements concerning biological weapons through leading a verification system utilizing artificial intelligence.
Trump accused the UN of financing an attack on the West by supporting illegal immigration, claiming that the international body backed unlawful migrant flows into the United States. He suggested that European countries are on a path to ruin due to illegal immigration and pledged to eradicate drug trafficking organizations following the destruction of three Venezuelan vessels by U.S. forces, which were allegedly involved in drug smuggling.
Fragmentation and Suffering
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the world has entered an era of reckless fragmentation and persistent humanitarian suffering, stressing that the foundations of global peace are jeopardized by a lack of accountability and diminishing respect for international law.
In his opening remarks during the high-level general debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Guterres notably highlighted the war in Gaza, describing it as one of the most tragic humanitarian disasters in modern times and an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
He emphasized that the deliberate deprivation of basic necessities for populations and the targeting of infrastructure undermines any possibility for peace, calling for immediate and unhindered humanitarian corridors and adherence to the International Court of Justice’s measures. He reaffirmed that a political solution based on a two-state framework is the only path to end the bloodshed.
Additionally, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, stated in his address that the Israeli attack targeting Hamas leaders in Doha was an Israeli attempt to hinder ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remarked that Rome could recognize a Palestinian state if all Israeli hostages are released and Hamas is excluded from any governing role.
Meloni noted, “I am not against recognizing Palestine, but we must set the right priorities,” announcing that her government would propose a resolution to Parliament on the matter. She added that international pressure should be directed at Hamas rather than Israel, as Hamas initiated the conflict and obstructs its resolution by refusing to free the hostages.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II urged the international community to abandon the misguided belief that the current Israeli government is a willing partner for peace, affirming that its actions systematically undermine the foundations for peace and deliberately bury the idea of a Palestinian state. In his speech before the General Assembly, he queried, “How long will we continue issuing condemnation after condemnation without any resulting action? The UN must heed this call so that peace becomes a reality and echo this call: the time has come.”
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned that anti-democratic forces are attempting to undermine institutions, following an alleged coup plot involving his predecessor and Trump ally. Lula stated at the General Assembly, “Globally, anti-democratic forces are trying to subdue institutions and stifle freedoms… Our democracy and sovereignty are non-negotiable.”
Reconstruction Conference
Meanwhile, Egypt announced its plan to host a conference aimed at the reconstruction of Gaza. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly disclosed during a UN conference on the “two-state solution” that Egypt would hold an international conference for Gaza reconstruction as soon as a ceasefire is achieved. Madbouly stated from the UN podium that Egypt will gather the necessary funding for the Arab-Islamic reconstruction plan as soon as a ceasefire is reached.
Joint Statement
In a related development, a joint statement was issued by the presidency of the high-level international conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and implementing the two-state solution, chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. The statement urged the international community to translate its positions into tangible actions.
The statement indicated that the conference led to the adoption of the New York Declaration, which received the support of 142 nations in the UN General Assembly, confirming the international commitment to a two-state solution and charting a non-reversible path toward building a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and people in the region.
It further noted the worsening humanitarian tragedy in Gaza amid escalating Israeli ground assault, asserting that the New York Declaration presents a principled and realistic alternative to the cycle of violence. The international community was called upon to move from words to actions through practical and tangible steps to implement the declaration, with welcome acknowledgment of commitments from member countries.
The joint statement also welcomed the recognition by new countries of the State of Palestine, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Malta alongside France. It affirmed that ending the war in Gaza and ensuring the release of all hostages remain top priorities, urging for a permanent ceasefire, the liberation of hostages and prisoners, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.
Reception
On the same day, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry expressed its appreciation for the joint statement issued by the presidency of the high-level international conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution. The ministry noted that Palestine values the role played by Saudi Arabia and France in leading the conference and the efforts made to enhance recognition of the State of Palestine and garner international support for the New York Declaration released by the UN.
It emphasized that the implementation of the declaration would enable the institutions of the State of Palestine to carry out their political and legal functions across all occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza, preserving the option of a two-state solution and enhancing opportunities for a just and enduring peace in the region.