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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday pledged to intensify efforts to pressure Israel in the coming days to avert what he called a deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, as he condemned ongoing atrocities and called for global action.
Speaking alongside visiting Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during a joint press conference in Ankara, Erdogan welcomed European moves toward recognizing the State of Palestine, describing them as “very valuable.”
“No one can remain silent in the face of the atrocities in Gaza, where children are dying of hunger and civilians seeking food are deliberately shot,” Erdogan said.
He warned that “anyone with a shred of dignity and compassion is on the verge of losing patience over Israel’s oppression of Gaza.”
Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to delivering humanitarian aid to the enclave: “We are obliged to do whatever is necessary to stop this oppression.”
He emphasized that increased efforts to secure a ceasefire and establish lasting peace are essential to prevent Gaza’s 2.4 million residents from being left even more isolated.
“One of the most effective responses to Israel’s genocidal policy is to support a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders,” Erdogan said. “A few days ago, I called French President Macron and congratulated him on his courageous decision. I saw that President Nguema shares our sentiments regarding the prevention of a humanitarian disaster in Gaza.”
Erdogan’s remarks come as Israel continues its offensive on Gaza, launched on Oct. 7, 2023, which has killed more than 60,200 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children. The assault has devastated the enclave and triggered widespread food shortages.
Israel has imposed an 18-year blockade on Gaza and, since March 2, has closed all crossings, halting the entry of humanitarian aid.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a separate genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
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