President Erdogan condemns ongoing tragedy in Palestine, criticizing Western silence

President Erdogan criticizes the West’s silence on Palestine, condemning Israel’s aggression and highlighting Türkiye’s humanitarian aid efforts at the World Muslim Scholars Consultation Summit in Istanbul

President Erdogan, speaking at the opening of the World Muslim Scholars Consultation Summit in Istanbul on Sunday, addressed the ongoing tragedy in Palestine and criticized the silence of Western countries.

President Erdogan extended a warm welcome to all participants and expressed his gratitude to the Presidency of Religious Affairs for organizing the summit.

He also extended Mother’s Day greetings, acknowledging the joyful celebrations in various countries and expressing his sympathy for the Palestinian mothers who mourn the loss of their children.

“Palestinian mothers spend today wrapped in the white shrouds of their children slaughtered by Israel. I send our greetings to Palestinian and Syrian Turkistani mothers whose hearts are on fire with the pain of their lost children,” Erdogan stated.

Erdogan condemned the ongoing massacre in Gaza and denounced Israel’s brutal aggression and expansionist policies. He lamented the staggering loss of innocent lives, with thousands of children and civilians falling victim to Israeli violence.

“To this day, 15,000 children have been brutally murdered, 35,000 of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, mostly women and civilians, have been martyred. 80,000 people have been injured and nearly 2 million people have been displaced,” he added.

Gaza: An extermination camp

Describing Gaza as an extermination camp reminiscent of Nazi atrocities, Erdogan condemned the heinous acts committed against the residents of Gaza.

He highlighted the targeting of hospitals, places of worship and civilian settlements, as well as the deliberate killing of journalists and aid workers.

“All the principles, rules and lines of human rights and freedoms were trampled underfoot before the eyes of the world. Israeli forces killed 150 journalists who were trying to inform the world about what was happening in Gaza. U.N. personnel and humanitarian aid workers were targeted by Israeli bullets,” he stated.

International hypocrisy

The President criticized the failure of the international community to protect human rights and defend the Palestinian people.

Condemning the complicity of nations and organizations that support Israel’s crimes, the President pointed out that it is hypocritical for those who claim to defend democracy and freedom to turn a blind eye to Israeli aggression.

“We have seen that those who market themselves as the ‘Land of the Free’ turn to Fascism when Israel’s interests are at stake,” President Erdogan said pointing out to the international hypocrisy.

Türkiye’s humanitarian response

President Erdogan also highlighted Türkiye’s humanitarian efforts, including the treatment of more than 400 patients from Gaza in Turkish hospitals.

“With a humanitarian aid amount reaching approximately 54,000 tons, we are the country providing the most humanitarian aid to Gaza,” Erdogan said reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and provide support in their time of need.

“Despite protests in the West, they won’t raise their voices against Israel. They will continue to support Israel under the pretext of Hamas. Expecting pressure on Israel, apart from conscientious countries and societies, is a mistake,” he added.

‘Take a stand for this cause’

Stating that Türkiye has completely severed trade ties with Israel, Erdogan said, “Stand up for this case. We have completely stopped trade with Israel. Our decision to intervene in the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice aims to hold the perpetrators to account. We invite Islamic countries to actively support this case.”

Stating that Israel’s isolation manifested itself during the voting on Palestine’s U.N. membership resolution, Erdogan called on the countries that have not yet recognized Palestine to recognize Palestine and said the following: 

“The decision of 143 countries voting yes and 25 countries abstaining showed how isolated Israel and its collaborators have become. With this decision, our Palestinian brothers and sisters will have greater rights and privileges to participate in U.N. activities. We are pleased to have given strong support to this resolution and call on all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so.”

Source: Newsroom