Erdogan calls for stronger international support for Gaza crisis at COMCEC meeting

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at the opening session of the 40th Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) on Monday, emphasized the dire conditions in Gaza and Lebanon and called for stronger international support for Palestine.

Focus on humanitarian crisis in Gaza

During his speech at the Lutfi Kirdar International Congress and Exhibition Center, Erdogan expressed deep concern over the suffering in Gaza. He described the ongoing situation as one of the most severe humanitarian crises of the last century.

“The Islamic world has become synonymous with blood, pain, and oppression as never before in its history. One of the most brutal genocides of the century has occurred and continues to occur right next to us in Gaza,” Erdogan said.

The president noted that Israeli military actions over the past three months have led to the deaths of 50,000 Palestinians and injured over 100,000, two-thirds of whom are women and children. He condemned the conditions in Gaza, where two million people are confined to a narrow 360-square-kilometer strip without access to water, food or medicine.

Comparisons to historical atrocities

Erdogan drew parallels between current events and the atrocities of World War II, stating: “What we are witnessing in Gaza and for the past six weeks in Lebanon overshadows the inhumanity of the extermination camps established in Europe during World War II.”

Commitment to support Palestinians

Highlighting Türkiye’s role, Erdogan said that Türkiye has provided over 85,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza with the assistance of Egyptian authorities, making it the leading contributor of aid to the region.

He underscored Türkiye’s decision to halt commercial activities with Israel, sacrificing approximately $9.5 billion in trade.

Call for international recognition of Palestine

Erdogan reiterated his call for more nations to officially recognize the State of Palestine as a significant response to the violence in Gaza and Lebanon.

“The most appropriate response to Zionist aggression against Gaza and Lebanon would be for more countries to recognize the State of Palestine,” Erdogan stated.

Importance of technological safety, economic cooperation

Besides addressing regional conflicts, Erdogan emphasized the importance of protecting young people from digital threats and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.

He cited a recent example of cyber-attacks linked to terrorist incidents in Lebanon, illustrating the need for increased vigilance.

Advancing the Islamic world’s economic development

Erdogan pointed to the growth of the global economy, which expanded by 3.3% in 2023, and the importance of economic collaboration within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to combat challenges such as global inflation and supply chain disruptions.

He highlighted Türkiye’s commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth and trade networks among OIC member states.