Istanbul, April 18, 2025 — The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a scathing condemnation of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, calling the offensive a campaign of “indiscriminate massacres” against Palestinians and criticizing the global silence surrounding the conflict.
Speaking during a gathering of parliamentary representatives in support of Palestine, held in Istanbul, Erdogan decried what he described as “a state of utter madness” by the Israeli government, referencing the high civilian death toll—including women, children, aid workers, and journalists.
“The Israeli government is massacring Palestinians without distinction,” Erdogan said. “Gaza has been devastated to the point where not a single stone is left standing… a massive pile of debris exceeding 50 million tons.”
Call for Global Conscience
Erdogan urged attendees to view the Palestinian cause not only as a political issue but a moral and human rights imperative. “This is a matter not only for Muslims but for every person of conscience,” he said. “The Palestinian cause is, at its core, a struggle to be human and to remain human.”
He emphasized that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been compounded by international inaction, questioning the silence of major media outlets, human rights groups, and Western governments that are usually quick to impose sanctions elsewhere.
“Where are the voices of the BBC, CNN? Where is international law? Where is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?” he asked. “A global order that does not stand with the oppressed is doomed to be the toy of tyrants.”
Condemnation of Civilian Suffering
Citing grim statistics, Erdogan claimed that over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, the majority being civilians. He also mentioned:
- 212 journalists allegedly killed,
- Widespread targeting of healthcare workers and aid staff,
- Severe shortages of food, medicine, and clean water,
- Near-total destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure.
He accused Israel of celebrating violence and of trying to “normalize genocide” by branding Palestinian resistance as terrorism.
Support for Legal Accountability
Erdogan praised the genocide case filed against Israel at the International Court of Justice, insisting that accountability is crucial to prevent future atrocities.
“Every crime left unpunished only emboldens the perpetrator,” he said, calling for Israeli leaders to face justice, referring to them as “the murder gang.”
Red Lines and Religious Sanctity
In a particularly strong assertion, Erdogan declared Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Haram al-Sharif compound as sacred Muslim sites, warning against any attempts to alter their status.
“Al-Aqsa is our red line, and it will remain so, God willing, for eternity,” he said.
Aid and Humanitarian Efforts
Despite the blockade, Erdogan said Türkiye has delivered more than 101,000 tons of aid to Gaza since the crisis escalated, and pledged continued assistance.
Commitment to a Two-State Solution
Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s support for the two-state solution, insisting on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“Palestine is for the Palestinians,” he said. “We will never tolerate further displacement. Even if we stand alone, we will continue to defend the Palestinian cause.”
Erdogan concluded by likening the Palestinian struggle to Turkey’s own fight for independence a century ago, framing his country’s support as rooted in history, humanity, and justice.
