The UN General Assembly Hall. UN.ORG / COURTESY
Elaina Batista, Asst. Social Media Editor
This past week, the United Nations hosted their 80th session of the UN General Assembly that started on Sept. 9 and will conclude on Sept. 29. During the general assembly, the United Nations appoints the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Security Council, elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council and approves the UN budget.
On Sept. 23, President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations and made several remarks in opposition to the mission of the United Nations. Trump addressed everything from the war in Gaza to how he is campaigning for the Nobel Peace Prize. His speech clocked in at about one hour long, which was significantly longer than the standard time that is allocated to speakers.
During his speech, Trump claimed to be, “deeply engaged in seeking a ceasefire in Gaza” but then claimed that recognizing Palestine as a state would be a “reward” for Hamas. Britain, Canada, Australia, Portugal and France have all formally recognized a Palestinian State.
Trump also remarked that he believed ending the war in Ukraine would be easier for him and his administration because of his relationship with Russia’s president Vladimir Putin.
“I thought that was going to be the easiest one,” Trump said. “But in war, you never know what’s going to happen. There are always lots of surprises, both good and bad.”
He further commented that Ukraine is now in a position to “fight and win” back its original borders and argued that NATO member countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter allied airspace.
Trump has also made significant commitments on immigration. Trump chastised representatives from other countries on their immigration policies and stood strong on his agenda of mass deportation, stating how it was the best way to address the, “crisis of uncontrolled migration.”
“I’m really good at this stuff,” Trump said in his speech, adding, “Your countries are going to hell.”
On Sept. 26, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his speech at the UN, prompting several delegates from various countries to walk out as a form of protest. During Netanyahu’s address, he vowed to “finish the job” of eliminating Hamas in Gaza. He also attacked the recognition of a Palestinian state by multiple western countries.
In addition to thanking Trump for the United States’ role in the June bombing of Iran’s Fordo nuclear plant, Netanyahu compared the 9/11 attack in the United States to the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Pointing to chants of “death to America” by organizations associated with Iran, he claimed that the two nations were battling the same foes. Netanyahu went on to refute the claims of the UN commissions that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, stating that they were baseless.
Before his speech, the prime minister’s office ordered the Israeli military to mount loudspeakers on trucks near the Gaza perimeter fence in order to broadcast his words live across the territory.
The UN General Assembly’s 80th session will end on Sept. 29. Thus far, the conference has discussed issues such as international recognition of a Palestinian state, current conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, global migration and Iran’s nuclear security. Additional member state addresses, resolution adoption and votes on issues including the UN budget and the election of non-permanent Security Council members will all take place throughout the UNGA’s ongoing session until the end of the month.