Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed strong criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, emphasizing that the ongoing occupation and atrocities represent a significant challenge to humanity’s conscience.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Erdogan’s remarks were published in Newsweek, where he stated that the situation in Gaza is a test that ends in shame for humanity, particularly for those involved in the international system. He highlighted the dire conditions faced by the people in Gaza, including the deaths of children and women and the deprivation of basic necessities.
The Turkish President reiterated Ankara’s commitment to pursuing a ceasefire and facilitating the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Erdogan noted that Turkey has sent over 100,000 tons of aid to the region as part of efforts to alleviate the suffering caused by the Israeli siege. He called for the international community to take a firmer stance against the ongoing violence and emphasized the importance of a two-state solution.
Erdogan articulated the necessity of enabling the Palestinian people to establish an independent, sovereign state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He urged countries worldwide to recognize the State of Palestine, asserting that such recognition would be a powerful response to the occupation and injustices faced by Palestinians. Erdogan commended nations that have recently recognized Palestine and encouraged them to uphold their commitments.
The Turkish President also addressed broader global issues, including conflicts, terrorism, and inequality, which he claimed are straining the international order. He criticized the United Nations for its inability to address contemporary crises effectively and called for reforms within the organization to better serve global peace and security.
In addition to his comments on Gaza, Erdogan discussed the significance of Syria in regional stability. He highlighted the devastation caused by the ongoing conflict since 2011 and emphasized the need for reconstruction and revitalization efforts in Syria. Erdogan stressed that any future steps concerning Syria should prioritize the interests of the Syrian people and respect their collective will.
The Turkish President reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity and political unity, opposing any actions that might undermine these principles. He underscored the importance of establishing a stable state in Syria through security cooperation and warned against marginalizing the will of the Syrian people or supporting separatist agendas.