Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the international community to unite on the front of humanity in the face of what he described as the "genocide" being committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip, warning of the worsening humanitarian disaster amid ongoing famine and lack of aid.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Erdogan's remarks came during his speech on Tuesday at the opening of the 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), which kicked off today in Istanbul with broad regional and international participation.
'In these dark days, when innocent people are dying of hunger in Gaza, I call on the international community to stand together on the front of humanity. The silence of the world on these crimes makes it a partner in violating human rights,' Erdogan said.
He noted that the world is going through a phase of redefining the balance of power, with escalating global competition and shifting centers of influence, stressing that the suffering of starving children in Gaza is a deep concern for Turkey.
Erdogan added that Turkey will not hesitate to keep the issue of genocide in Gaza on the global agenda, saying: 'What Israel is doing today surpasses the crimes committed by the Nazis. Our goal is to achieve an immediate ceasefire and ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.'
He continued: 'No person with a living conscience can accept this cruelty, where innocent people die every day searching for a piece of bread or a sip of water. Let us all say: enough to this injustice and brutality.'
Earlier today, the 17th edition of the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) kicked off at the Istanbul Expo Center. The event is held with the support of the Turkish Ministry of Defense and the Presidency of Defense Industries, under the supervision of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, and organized by KFA Fairs, running until July 27.
The current edition of the fair hosts ministers from 33 countries, more than 120 deputy ministers, chiefs of staff, and military commanders, as well as heads of official delegations.
The exhibition features pavilions representing 44 countries, with over 400 international companies showcasing their latest defense technologies, including battle tanks, armored vehicles, electronic warfare systems, guided missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, air defense systems, and unmanned ground vehicles.
It also includes models of fixed-wing aircraft, air defense systems, electronic warfare technologies, satellites, drones, aircraft engines, combat ships, stationary platforms, helicopters, surface vehicles, unmanned submarines, and command, control, and communication systems.