Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has asserted that Palestinians have demonstrated exemplary resilience in defending their homeland amidst the ongoing conflict with Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at the 40th meeting of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul, Erdogan described the situation as one of the most severe genocides of the twenty-first century.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Erdogan highlighted the continuous struggle of the Palestinians against the Israeli occupation, emphasizing that despite the massacres and injustices committed over the past 13 months, the Palestinians have not succumbed. He underscored Turkey’s humanitarian efforts, noting that over 85,000 tons of aid have been delivered to Gaza with assistance from Egyptian authorities. Erdogan called for global recognition of the State of Palestine as a countermeasure to the aggression in Gaza and Lebanon.

Erdogan emph
asized the need for unity within the Islamic world to support the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples in their fight against Israeli actions. He reported that 50,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 100,000 injured, predominantly women and children, due to Israeli attacks. Quoting Palestinian poet Tawfiq Zayyad, Erdogan conveyed the enduring spirit of the Palestinian people.

The Turkish President drew parallels between the current situation in Gaza and historical atrocities, expressing concern over the perceived lack of international conscience regarding Israeli actions. He criticized the influence of the “Zionist lobby” on global organizations and media, urging for increased cooperation among Islamic nations to address the Palestinian issue. Erdogan concluded by stressing the importance of solidarity in preventing the escalation of conflict in the region.