Dubai, In a dramatic turn of events at the UN COP28 climate talks in Dubai, Iran’s delegation staged a walkout, and Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, canceled his scheduled speech amid escalating tensions over the Gaza crisis.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the assembly, denouncing the events in Gaza as a “humanitarian crime” and a “war crime.” Presidents of Colombia and Cuba went further, labeling Israeli actions as “genocide.”
Notably, Qatar’s Emir, initially listed as a speaker, was conspicuously absent from the final lineup. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, slated to give the opening speech, also did not attend without providing a reason for the last-minute change.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna expressed regret over the breakdown of a truce and emphasized the importance of its restoration, calling it “essential” for resolving arising issues.
The situation escalated when Iran’s delegation abruptly left COP28 in protest of Israel’s presence. Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian stated that Israel’s participation was “contrary to the goals and guidelines of the conference.”
Iraqi President Abdel Latif Rashid used his speech to condemn the “aggressive assault against Gaza,” urging the international community to stand firm against it. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep concern over the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, labeling it a “war crime that must be ended.”
Despite widespread criticism, there was no mention of the unrest from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a neighboring frontline state with Gaza.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani conveyed their regret over the collapse of the humanitarian pause in Gaza during their meeting at COP28, according to Sunak’s office.
The absence of key leaders and the heated exchanges highlight the increasing intersection of geopolitical conflicts with global climate discussions, creating a challenging backdrop for COP28’s deliberations.
By AFP
