Türkiye stands firm against Israel’s atrocities, Erdogan says, at future of Palestine conference

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered key remarks at the conference on the future of Palestine organized by the Justice and Development Party (AK Party). The conference aims to keep the Palestinian people’s rightful cause at the forefront of international discourse.

‘Jerusalem is our first qibla’

In his speech, President Erdogan warmly greeted the attendees and expressed his hope that the conference would lead to beneficial outcomes for the future of Palestine. He emphasized the significance of Jerusalem, stating, “Jerusalem is our first qibla,” and extended his respect to those fighting for the sanctity of this holy city.

‘50,000 innocent lives lost’

Erdogan referred to Israel’s attacks on Gaza that began on Oct. 7, 2023, highlighting that these assaults resulted in the deaths of 50,000 innocent people. He expressed his condolences for the Palestinian and Lebanese individuals mercilessly killed by the Zionist regime and paid tribute to all martyrs in Palestine and Lebanon. He noted that the ongoing attacks have revealed the true face of Zionism to the world.

The president also commemorated significant figures of the Palestinian struggle and political “martyrs”, praising the bravery of Palestinian resistance fighters. He prayed for all of Palestine and Lebanon who were killed by Israel.

Erdogan emphasized that the conference would address the Palestinian issue through three key topics, stating that such international events help advance the Palestinian people’s struggle for their rights. He emphasized that Israel’s attacks have once again brought the Palestinian issue to global attention, serving as a wake-up call for humanity.

The president’s remarks have resonated widely, echoing in both national and international circles. Reaffirming Türkiye’s support for the Palestinian people, Erdogan assured that developments in the region are being closely monitored.

‘Zionism reveals its true nature’

Erdogan highlighted that approximately 50,000 innocent people lost their lives in these attacks, serving to reveal the true nature of Zionism to the world.

He criticized human rights organizations for their indifference to the suffering of Palestinians and Lebanese, stating, “We have witnessed many shameful events, such as babies being shot by sniper fire and journalists being attacked live on air.” He pointed out that hospitals, schools, and churches were targeted, and that the 2 million people confined to a 360 square kilometer area have faced severe oppression.

President Erdogan emphasized that while the global community has begun to recognize Israel’s brutality since Oct. 7, the Palestinian people have been enduring this suffering for decades. He described the establishment of the Israeli state in 1948 as a profound catastrophe for the Palestinian people, noting, “One million Palestinians were displaced, and thousands were killed. Israel, built on blood and tears, continues to commit atrocities.”

He stated that Palestinians have been forced into refugee status in their own homeland, with over 6 million people worldwide waiting to return home.

“The victims of Israel’s racist policies are not only the Palestinian people; African Jews have also suffered the same oppression,” he added.

‘Israel creates new maps’

Erdogan remarked that even as a member of the U.N., Israel is referred to as a “single state.” He indicated that he had raised this issue at the U.N. General Assembly, but no one provided an answer.

“Instead of responding, the Israeli government continues to create new maps,” he asserted, emphasizing that their aggression would not be limited to Gaza but would also extend to Lebanon.

‘We recognize risks, are taking all necessary precautions against it’

Erdogan warned that if Israel’s increasingly aggressive actions are not halted, the potential consequences of its expansionism could be dire. He stated, “We recognize the risks and are taking all necessary precautions against the impending threats.” Erdogan highlighted that some individuals fail to see the dangers approaching Türkiye, but the government remains vigilant.

Erdogan noted that Israel’s recent attack on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a blatant challenge to the U.N., particularly the Security Council. He condemned the lack of response to this provocation, calling it as serious as the attacks themselves.

“How will the U.N. stop the hands raised to strike the people of Gaza and Lebanon? How much longer will the Security Council watch our region turn into a sea of blood?” he questioned. He emphasized that Israel’s brutal actions are not only claiming the lives of thousands of innocent people but also violating established rules and values.

“The victims of these atrocities are not just women and children; they represent the conscience of humanity,” Erdogan stated.

He affirmed that Türkiye is one of the loudest voices protesting against this genocide. “We view the plight of the Palestinian people as our own. We have taken a strong stance alongside the oppressed against the oppressors, without excluding anyone. We have stood by our Palestinian brothers with all our capabilities,” he added.

Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for its Palestinian and Lebanese brothers, declaring, “Victory will, God willing, belong to the believers in Gaza and Lebanon.”

He promised that Türkiye would continue to fight tirelessly and without fatigue, until an independent and sovereign Palestinian state is established based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.