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In one of his most forceful condemnations to date of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denounced what he described as an ongoing genocide and lambasted the international community for its inaction during an address at the TRT World Forum 2025 on Friday.
Speaking to an audience of diplomats, journalists and policy experts, Erdogan directly challenged narratives portraying Israel as the victim in the conflict. “Israel has nuclear weapons and the capability to strike Gaza, however and whenever it wants; how can it be innocent?” he questioned, framing the conflict as fundamentally asymmetrical.
The Turkish leader painted a stark picture of destruction in Gaza, where infrastructure has been devastated after more than a year of Israeli military operations. “In Gaza, hardly a single building remains intact. Schools, churches, mosques, and hospitals have all been bombed,” Erdogan said, dismissing claims of Israeli innocence in the face of such widespread destruction.
Erdogan reserved particular condemnation for what he characterized as Israel’s use of starvation as a military tactic. “Israel is using hunger as a deadly weapon, especially against children,” he declared, highlighting the humanitarian dimension of the crisis. Aid organizations have consistently warned about catastrophic food insecurity in Gaza, with children being particularly vulnerable to malnutrition and its long-term health consequences.
The speech represents a continuation of Turkey’s increasingly vocal opposition to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Under Erdogan’s leadership, Turkey has positioned itself as one of the most outspoken critics of Israel among major regional powers, though the two countries maintain economic ties despite diplomatic tensions.
In his address, Erdogan also took aim at what he called Israel’s “propaganda machine built on lies,” drawing attention to the human cost for journalists covering the conflict. “Against Israel’s propaganda machine, 270 journalists who sought to expose the truth on the ground and reveal Tel Aviv’s falsehoods have been killed,” he stated. This figure aligns with reports from press freedom organizations that have documented unprecedented casualties among media workers in Gaza.
The Turkish president framed the issue not just as a political matter but as a moral imperative, particularly for media organizations, suggesting they have a responsibility to “stand with justice” rather than amplifying narratives he considers false.
Beyond criticizing Israel directly, Erdogan broadened his critique to include international institutions charged with maintaining global peace and security. He accused these bodies of “turning a blind eye to massacres” and failing in their fundamental duty to prevent genocide.
The remarks come at a time when Turkey is seeking to enhance its diplomatic influence in the Muslim world and position itself as a defender of Palestinian rights. Erdogan has consistently used international forums to advocate for Palestinian sovereignty and criticize what he perceives as Western bias in favor of Israel.
The TRT World Forum, organized by Turkey’s state broadcaster, has become an important platform for the country to project its foreign policy positions and challenge Western-dominated narratives on global issues.
The Israeli government has previously rejected Erdogan’s characterizations of its military operations in Gaza, maintaining that its actions are targeted at Hamas militants and necessary for Israel’s security following the October 7, 2023 attacks.
As regional tensions continue to simmer, Erdogan’s forceful rhetoric signals that Turkey will likely continue its diplomatic pressure on Israel and advocacy for Palestinian causes in international forums, further complicating an already complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
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9 Comments
This is a complex and contentious issue. While there are valid concerns about the devastating impact on Gaza, it’s important to look at the conflict from multiple perspectives and avoid oversimplifying such a nuanced situation.
I agree, the situation is highly polarized. Objective analysis of the facts on the ground is needed to understand the full context.
The destruction in Gaza is certainly troubling, but it’s important to avoid one-sided portrayals. Both sides have engaged in actions that have escalated the conflict and caused civilian suffering.
Agreed. Simplistic blame-shifting is unlikely to advance a peaceful resolution. A more nuanced, impartial approach is needed.
While Erdogan’s rhetoric is provocative, he raises valid points about the disproportionate capabilities and impact of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The humanitarian toll is undeniable.
That’s a fair assessment. The asymmetry of power and resources in this conflict is a major factor that deserves careful consideration.
Erdogan’s comments reflect the Turkish government’s longstanding criticism of Israel’s actions. However, the conflict has roots going back decades and involves competing historical narratives and territorial claims.
That’s true. Resolving this conflict will require carefully balancing the legitimate concerns and grievances of both sides.
This is a highly charged political issue, and it’s important to approach it with objectivity and nuance. Oversimplified narratives from either side are unlikely to lead to a durable peace.