President Joe Biden called on nations to band together amid the conflict in the Middle East, the Russia/Ukraine war, and growing global concerns about China during his last speech as president before the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. Biden delivered his farewell address to world leaders at the UN, beginning his speech: “This is the fourth time I’ve had the great honor speaking to this assembly as president of the United States. It will be my last. I’ve seen a remarkable sweep of history.”
Biden used the gathering to condemn the militant group Hamas for its initial attack on Israel on Oct. 7, and said that the Palestinian people deserved their own state without the influence of Hamas. He reiterated his call for a cease-fire in Gaza, calling on both Israel and Hamas to accept a deal hammered out by the United States, Egypt and Qatar and endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. Said Biden: “Now is the time for the parties to finalize its terms, bring the hostages home and ensure security for Israel and Gaza free of Hamas’ grip, ease the suffering in Gaza and end this war.”
The President also emphasized the United States’ continued support of Ukraine in front of the annual gathering of world leaders in New York, and urged those to continue supporting Kyiv in its mission to defend itself against Russia, with Biden stating that Kyiv’s backers “cannot grow weary.” Biden said Russia and President Vladimir Putin failed at their core goal to destroy Ukraine: “He sat out to weaken NATO, but NATO is bigger, stronger and more united than ever with two new members in Finland and Sweden. We cannot let up. The world has another choice to make. Will we sustain our support and help Ukraine win this war preserve its freedom, or walk away … and let it be destroyed? I know my answer.”
Biden also reflected on his decision to end his campaign for reelection, finishing up his remarks: “There’s so much more I want to get done. As much as I love the job, I love my country more. I decided after 50 years of public service, it’s time for a new generation of leadership to take my nation forward. I truly believe we’re at another inflection point in world history. The choices we make today will determine our future. My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power. It’s your people. It’s your people that matter the most. Never forget, we are here to serve the people, not the other way around.”
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