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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labeled Israel's military campaign in Gaza a "complete genocide" and directly blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for killing tens of thousands of Palestinians.
"I don't think we can explain it in any other way. This is completely a genocide," Erdogan told Fox News anchor Bret Baier on late Monday during the U.N. General Assembly meetings in New York.
The Turkish president stated that Netanyahu conducted the killings "mercilessly" and noted that Türkiye stands "in complete opposition to this genocide."
Erdogan cited over 120,000 wounded Palestinians in Gaza, noting that Türkiye has brought many injured civilians to the country for medical treatment. He emphasized the humanitarian crisis, displaying photographs of destruction during his speeches at international forums.
When asked about Hamas holding hostages, Erdogan rejected one-sided blame.
"This is not a one-sided crime. How can we put aside what Netanyahu has done?" he said.
The president highlighted the military imbalance between Israel and Hamas, stating that comparing their weapons capabilities "isn't even possible." He accused Israel of using its superior firepower "without mercy, on age 7 to 70, children, women, the elderly."
Erdogan expressed skepticism about ending the conflict soon, comparing it to the unresolved Russia-Ukraine war. He referenced President Donald Trump's promises to end both conflicts, noting neither has concluded.
Asked whether he views Hamas as a terrorist organization, Erdogan rejected the designation.
"I don't see Hamas as a terrorist organization. On the contrary, I see it as a resistance group," he said.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians since Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023 cross-border attack, according to health authorities.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Erdogan discussed his scheduled Thursday meeting with President Trump at the White House, where he expects to address Türkiye's stalled F-35 fighter jet acquisition.
Türkiye paid $1.4 billion for F-35 aircraft as a program partner, but deliveries were halted after Ankara purchased Russia's S-400 air defense system. Erdogan called the suspension "not very becoming of a strategic partnership."
The meeting will also cover F-16 jet deliveries, production, maintenance and broader defense cooperation, according to Erdogan.
On economic ties, the Turkish president expressed optimism about improved relations "especially in the defense industry" alongside advances in industry and technology cooperation.
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Erdogan emphasized Türkiye's balanced diplomatic approach with both Russia and Ukraine, stating his country "would not have wished this to happen."
He acknowledged serious losses on both sides and suggested NATO could adopt Ankara's diplomatic model to reduce tensions between the warring nations.
The president also criticized Europe's stance toward Türkiye's European Union membership, calling the 50-year wait despite NATO membership "unfair."
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