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3. US Veto: Erdogan Denounces UN 'Israel Protection Council'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denounced the UN Security Council on Saturday after the United States vetoed a ceasefire resolution for Gaza, describing the international body as the 'Israel protection council.'

"Since October 7, the security council has become an Israel protection and defense council," Erdogan said.

The United States vetoed on Friday a Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Washington thus dashed a growing clamor for a halt to fighting that had been led by UN chief Antonio Guterres and Arab nations.

"Is this justice?" asked Erdogan, adding that "the world is bigger than five," a reference to the five veto-wielding nations in the UN Security Council.

"Another world is possible, but without America," the Turkish leader said.

"The United States stands by Israel with its money and military equipment. Hey, America! How much are you going to pay for that?" he added.

"Every day the Declaration of Human Rights is violated in Gaza," he said, as the world this weekend celebrates the 75th anniversary of the declaration.

Katrine Dige Houmøller, with AFP