Budapest: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed that Palestinian civilians are living in hell in Gaza, which is witnessing the worst humanitarian disaster in modern times. In a speech delivered today at the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Hungary, Erdogan said: “The civilian population in Gaza is living in a state of hell amid the worst humanitarian disaster in modern times.”
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Erdogan referred to the grave warning issued by the United Nations on Tuesday that approximately 14,000 infants in Gaza could die of starvation if relief aid does not reach them. He emphasized the importance of the Turkish world’s efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, deliver uninterrupted aid, rebuild the Strip, and contribute to efforts for a lasting peace process.
Since March 2, Israel has continued its policy of systematically starving approximately 2.4 million Palestinians in Gaza by closing the crossings to aid supplies piling up on the border, which has plunged the Strip into famine and claimed the lives of many. In the context of seeking stability and calm in the region, Erdogan stressed the need to support the territorial integrity of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria and to confront Israeli expansionism that “does not recognize borders.”
He stated that the Russian-Ukrainian war is one of the most serious security challenges, and its repercussions are being felt deeply at the global level. Erdogan explained that the two warring parties met in Istanbul a few days ago for the first time since 2022. He pledged to continue intensive contacts with both countries to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire and a just peace.
Erdogan also noted Turkey’s continued intensive efforts to achieve stability in Syria after 14 years of conflict. He emphasized that effective and proper exploitation of this opportunity is important for achieving stability in the region and beyond, not just in Syria. Erdogan also noted that the “Middle Corridor” (a trade route project extending from China to Europe via Turkey) stands out as a strategic route that ensures safe and uninterrupted transportation between the East and the West. He emphasized that Turkey attaches great importance to cooperation within the Organization of Turkic Speaking States to ensure the success of the Middle Corridor and looks forward to the support of member states.
He pointed out that “the tragedies that occurred previously in Cyprus, Nagorno-Karabakh (in Azerbaijan), Bosnia, and today in Gaza remind us of the need to think beyond our borders as well.”