New york: Colombian President Gustavo Petro attributed violence in the Middle East to a global thirst for hydrocarbons and a resurgence of "Nazi ideology" during a high-level UN session Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Petro addressed the Security Council, stating that the ongoing conflicts in the region are driven by a fight for oil. He claimed that this global greed for hydrocarbons is resulting in missile attacks that impact communities, including children. Petro argued that this consumption of oil has not only exacerbated the climate crisis but also fueled the wars in the Middle East.

As the head of a nation currently holding the monthly presidency of the Security Council, Petro connected the killing of thousands in the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces to economic greed. He emphasized that the scale of the casualties cannot be ignored or concealed by political or economic interests.

Petro further described the origins of the conflict as rooted in racism, warning of a return to fascist ideologies. He expressed concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence by a wealthy elite to spread misinformation and obscure the truth.

During the debate, the US representative indirectly criticized Petro's statements, highlighting Washington's condemnation of antisemitic rhetoric and any comments that trivialize the Holocaust. In response, Petro clarified that his intention was not to diminish historical atrocities but to prevent a potential "new Holocaust" against the Third World. He urged the international community to remain vigilant against repeating the atrocities that led to the UN's formation, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza.

Petro also dismissed the notion of "malign" civilizations, asserting that all of humanity is chosen by God, rather than any specific group. He reiterated his support for a two-state solution, advocating for a "free, sovereign Palestine" that coexists with Israel, with mutual respect and protection for both civilizations.