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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Israel to change its policy toward Gaza, citing a worsening humanitarian crisis and accusing Israel of blocking international aid, including food and medical supplies.
His remarks came during a press conference following the NATO leaders' summit held in The Hague, Netherlands.
Answering a question on the future of Türkiye-Israel relations, Erdogan said: "If relations between Türkiye and Israel continue under the current approach, peace between us is not possible. The steps Israel is taking threaten peace. How can peace be established under these conditions? It's impossible."
"Over 100,000 people are dead or injured, and they continue bombing. In Gaza, even the Red Cross is prevented from delivering food. Who’s blocking it? Israel. How can we build a peaceful environment with such barbaric actions?" he added.
"We call on Israel to abandon the stance it has taken so far in Gaza," Erdogan noted.
President Erdogan stated that over 56,000 Gazans, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israeli attacks, with another 129,000 injured. He said that 80% of Gaza is destroyed, 95% of the health infrastructure is incapacitated, and essential civilian buildings—churches, mosques, hospitals, and schools—have been bombed.
"More than two million Gazans are struggling to survive under constant bombing. Israel is blocking even the most basic humanitarian aid. This has turned the humanitarian crisis into a humanitarian disaster," he added.
"No person of conscience can remain silent in the face of such brutality. You stay quiet when babies sleep—not when they’re being killed," Erdogan said.
He urged the international community, especially relevant institutions, to act more decisively, criticizing the inaction toward what he called open violations of international law by Israel.
President Erdogan reiterated Ankara's long stance that long-term peace is only possible through a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.
"Israel cannot ensure its own security by destabilizing the region. Just like all other countries in the region, Israel’s security depends on the stability and welfare of its neighbors," he added.
He also noted that Türkiye's ultimate aim is the establishment of a peaceful environment where people of all faiths can live side by side.
Speaking on regional tensions, including the recent escalation between Israel and Iran, Erdogan emphasized the importance of diplomacy and dialogue.
"Our region is full of examples showing that war, destruction, aggression, and threats lead nowhere," he said, adding: "We welcome the ceasefire facilitated by President Trump and expect both sides to adhere to it unconditionally."
He underlined that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an emergency meeting in Istanbul to address the tensions and that Türkiye has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
On the ongoing restrictions in Gaza, Turkish President lastly criticized Tel Aviv's refusal to allow aid convoys from organizations such as the Red Cross and Türkiye's own Red Crescent (Kizilay).
"Even the Red Cross cannot enter Gaza. If it could, humanitarian aid—food, medicine, clothing—could reach the people. But right now, even that is not happening," he stated.
He reiterated Ankara's commitment to standing with "the oppressed" and criticized "the powerful nations" for their silence. "We are calling on powerful countries to stand against Israel. We must ensure that the gates to Gaza are opened for aid," Erdogan concluded.
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