‘Putin’s war has failed, it's time to end sufferings in Gaza,’ says Biden in final UNGA address

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Sep 24) addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)in New York for the last time. The 81-year-old leader started off by recounting conflicts of the world when he first enteredpublic office around five decades ago. Speaking of how the US and Vietnam buried the hatchet during the Vietnam War, Biden said, “Things can get better. We should never forget that. I’ve seen that throughout my career.”

In his last speech before the United Nations General Assembly as the US president, Bidencalled on nations to band together amid conflict in the Middle East, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and rising concerns about China’s influence.

"I truly believe we’re at another inflection point in world history. The choices we make today will determine our future," Biden said.

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Vows to support Ukraine

Biden in his final address to the UN vowed to support Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia for over two years now. The US presidentsaid “our NATO allies and partners and 50 plus nations stood up” against Russia.

“Most importantly, the Ukrainian people stood up. I asked the people in this chamber to stand up for them,” Biden added.

He declared that Russian PresidentVladimir Putin’s war had failed and that Ukraine was still free. “He set out to weaken NATO, but NATO is bigger, stronger, and more united than ever before, with two new members, Finland and Sweden,” said the Democratic leader.

Gazawar: It'shigh time to ease sufferings

Biden spoke about the October 7 Hamas on Israel, in which hundreds of innocent civilians were killed and hundreds were taken hostage. “I’ve met with the families of those hostages. I’ve grieved with them,” the US presidentsaid. “They’re going through hell.”

He also talked about the ‘hell’ the Gazans were going through as a result of the devastating war.

“Innocent civilians in Gaza are also going through hell. Thousands and thousands killed, including aid workers. Too many families dislocated, crowding in the tents, facing a dire humanitarian situation.”

Biden said now it was high time that both parties come to the talking table and ease the sufferings in Gaza.

On dropping out of presidential race

Biden defended his decision to drop out of the presidential race by saying staying in power is not the most important thing.

“Being president has been the honour of my life,” the US presidentsaid. “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,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)