Erdogan criticizes Western nations, urges global recognition of Palestine
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the International Goodness Awards ceremony held at the Bestepe National Congress and Culture Center in Ankara, censuring the Western countries and urging global recognition of Palestine
He emphasized Türkiye’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid and support for oppressed communities worldwide.
Emphasized ‘responsibility toward Palestinians’
Erdogan stressed Türkiye’s responsibility toward Palestinians who have been longing to return to their homes for 76 years. “We have a responsibility towards our Palestinian brothers and sisters who have dreamed of returning to their homes, lands, and territories for 76 years. We cannot ignore or overlook them,” he said.
Erdogan praised the Turkish Diyanet Foundation (TDV) for its global humanitarian efforts. He mentioned its 49-year history and added, “The Turkish Diyanet Foundation continues to spread seeds of kindness and build bridges of friendship, solidarity, and brotherhood across different geographies.”
Erdogan targets Western countries’ support for Netanyahu
Addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Erdogan condemned the violence and the complicity of those providing logistical and military support to the aggressors. “The bloodshed in Gaza has turned it into a massive children’s graveyard in the last 229 days,” he said.
He criticized Western powers for their unwavering support of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, asserting that this support enables continued atrocities. “As long as Western powers stand behind Netanyahu with all his arrogance and recklessness, the massacres in Palestine cannot be stopped,” Erdogan said.
Recognition of Palestine as a state
Erdogan expressed satisfaction with the announcements from Norway, Ireland and Spain about recognizing the state of Palestine.
“I am pleased with the announcements from Norway, Ireland, and Spain that they will recognize the state of Palestine. We call on other countries that have not yet recognized it to take the same step without further delay,” Erdogan urged.
Türkiye’s trade measures against Israel, humanitarian aid to Gaza
Erdogan stresses Türkiye’s cessation of all import and export activities with Israel, resulting in the suspension of a trade volume worth approximately $9.5 billion.
He reiterated Türkiye’s ongoing support for humanitarian aid to Gaza, noting that the total amount of aid sent has exceeded 54,000 tons. “We have suspended approximately $9.5 billion in trade with Israel. Our humanitarian aid to Gaza has exceeded 54,000 tons,” he said.
The President concluded by emphasizing the importance of global solidarity in the face of oppression and thanked the international community for their support. “We extend our gratitude to individuals and groups worldwide who have stood up for Palestine, including students, academics, and artists,” Erdogan said.
‘Promoting goodness’
The event also featured remarks from the President of Religious Affairs, Ali Erbas, who stressed the significance of promoting goodness in a world plagued by conflict, poverty, and violence. “In these challenging times, the International Goodness Awards of the Turkish Diyanet Foundation, which aim to bring goodness to the forefront of life and the human agenda, have become even more meaningful,” Erbas stated.
The ceremony honored individuals and groups for their humanitarian efforts, both domestically and internationally, celebrating their contributions to promoting kindness, solidarity, and human dignity.
Erdogan expressed his gratitude to the award recipients and highlighted the importance of their work in maintaining global harmony and compassion.
“The presence of good-hearted, benevolent people like you keeps the world turning despite all the pain, evil, and oppression surrounding us,” he concluded.
