Türkiye intensifies diplomatic efforts to restore Gaza cease-fire: President Erdogan
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech during AK Party Istanbul Branch’s Iftar Event at WOW Istanbul Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye on March 22, 2025. (AA Photo)
Türkiye is stepping up diplomatic efforts to secure a cease-fire and halt the massacres in Gaza, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday.
Erdogan criticized the international community, stating that none of the so-called defenders of human rights have spoken out against “the vile killing of babies in their cradle” in Gaza. He made these remarks during an iftar (fast-breaking) dinner in Istanbul.
Since Tuesday, more than 700 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,000 others injured in a surprise Israeli aerial assault on Gaza, which has shattered a cease-fire and prisoner exchange agreement that was established in January.
Death toll rising amid Israeli atrocities
The ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which began in October 2023, has led to nearly 50,000 Palestinian deaths—predominantly women and children—and left more than 112,000 others injured.
In November 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in the region.
