Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that the international recognition of the State of Palestine will remain incomplete unless the Israeli aggression ceases. Erdogan advocated for the trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government for what he termed “genocide” in Gaza.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Erdogan made these remarks during the Bosphorus Diplomatic Forum in Istanbul. He expressed concerns about the current global landscape, highlighting that the world is trapped in “an endless cycle of wars and instability” rather than achieving international peace and security. He criticized the post-World War II global order for losing its effectiveness and credibility.
Erdogan pointed to institutions like the UN Security Council, stating that they have failed in their original mission to prevent humanitarian disasters and have instead become part of the problem. He accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of mass destruction in Gaza and lamented the loss of lives in regions like Gaza, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, and Somalia, saying such losses diminish humanity as a whole.
The Turkish president urged for deterrent sanctions against Israel, suggesting measures such as banning it from international sporting events. He also criticized Netanyahu’s address at the UN General Assembly, describing it as a speech delivered to empty seats, indicating a lack of audience willing to listen to his statements.
Erdogan addressed the issue of Palestine’s international recognition, describing it as crucial despite being delayed. He questioned the international community’s inability to defend Palestine before the deaths of 65,000 innocent individuals. Erdogan stated that Turkey views the recognition of Palestine, albeit overdue, as a correction of a historical oversight.
In recent developments, eleven countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Belgium, Portugal, Luxembourg, Andorra, Malta, Monaco, and San Marino, have recognized the State of Palestine, increasing the total to 159 out of the 193 UN member states.