At the TRT World Forum 2025 in Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sharply criticized Israel for weaponizing hunger in Gaza and pledged Türkiye’s complete commitment to the enclave’s reconstruction.
Erdoğan denounced the global community’s failure to act amid ongoing Israeli attacks, calling it a humanitarian tragedy that “shamed humanity.” He emphasized Türkiye’s resolve to help Palestinians recover, stating:
“Türkiye is ready to put not just its hand but its entire body under the stone to help Gaza stand up again as soon as possible.”
He also questioned Israel’s portrayal as “innocent,” given its possession of nuclear weapons and military power:
“How can anyone still call it innocent when it possesses nuclear arms, the strongest bombs, and the power to strike Gaza whenever it wants?”
Erdoğan condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and accused Israel of sustaining a “propaganda machine built on lies.” He highlighted the dangers faced by journalists, noting that 270 reporters have been killed covering the conflict. He described the severe destruction in Gaza:
“And they still call Israel innocent! How can that be?”
The Turkish president also criticized international organizations and global media for their failure to hold Israel accountable for the devastation in Gaza.
Author’s Summary: President Erdoğan condemned Israel’s use of hunger as a weapon in Gaza and pledged Türkiye’s full support for rebuilding the devastated region, urging global accountability for the humanitarian crisis.