Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to condemn Israel’s brutal attacks in Gaza. Erdogan has stated that Turkey will declare Israel a war criminal to the world.
As reported by Anadolu Agency on Sunday, October 29, 2023, Erdogan made this statement during the “Great Palestine Meeting,” a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Istanbul. He emphatically declared that Israel is a war criminal.
“Israel, we will also declare you a war criminal to the world, we are preparing for it, and we will introduce Israel to the world as a war criminal,” Erdogan said.
Erdogan emphasized that the Western world is mobilizing politicians and media to legitimize the killing of innocent people in Gaza. He also referred to Israel as an occupier.
“Israel is committing war crimes,” he stated.
“The West owes it to you, but Turkey does not owe it to you,” Erdogan added.
Erdogan also criticized those who shed crocodile tears for civilians killed in the Ukraine-Russia war but remain silent when witnessing the deaths of thousands of innocent children in Gaza. He pointed out that the main cause of the massacres in Gaza is Western countries.
“I ask the West, do you want to create another Crusade atmosphere?” he inquired, adding, “The main cause behind the massacres in Gaza is the Western parties.”
“Of course, every country has the right to defend itself, but where is the justice? There is no defense other than the open and brutal massacres happening in Gaza,” Erdogan said.
According to Erdogan, everyone knows that Israel is a pawn in the region that will be sacrificed when the time comes.
“I said in Davos, you know how to kill. They know very well how to kill,” he said.
Erdogan also paid tribute to the “determination of the people of Gaza” not to leave their homes and cities in the face of bombings by oppressors.
As is known, Israel has been bombarding Gaza since October 7 when the Palestinian group Hamas launched a cross-border attack, killing 1,400 people.
However, the scale of the attack is not comparable to Israel’s bombardment. The Ministry of Health in Gaza has stated that Israel’s attacks have now killed more than 8,000 people, the majority of whom are civilians, including many children.
Considering the voice of the United Nations General Assembly that supports a resolution calling for a “durable and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza, Erdogan said, “Israel, you are destined to be left alone.”
For your information, on Friday, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution calling for a “durable and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza.
The resolution, submitted by nearly 50 countries, including Turkey, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was passed with 120 votes in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions.
Adopted at the 10th Emergency Special Session on the Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the draft resolution expresses “grave concern” over the “recent escalation of violence.”
Erdogan also emphasized that Turkey does not condone attacks that target civilians in Israel. However, he believes that Israel is indifferent to the deaths of these civilians.
“We are sad for every civilian in any way, but Israel does not care,” Erdogan said.
Erdogan stated that Turkey will continue to defend the oppressed during difficult times, much like Turkey did during World War II and 500 years ago.
“I repeat the call I have made to the Israeli government in recent days. Pay attention to our call to provide assistance to the oppressed and open the door to dialogue to build peace. Come today and take a positive step, perhaps for the first time in your life. Live, for your future and your children’s future,” he said.
He continued, noting that many Palestinians have gradually been forced to flee their homes and homeland, and their lives have been affected by Israel’s attacks since its establishment. Erdogan also emphasized that Hamas is not a terrorist organization but freedom fighters.
“Of course, in an environment filled with fire and blood like this, there are regrettable incidents. However, none of these incidents can be used as a reason for a campaign aimed at discrediting the resistance carried out by the Palestinian people under various names,” he said.
“I say that Hamas is not a terrorist organization, and Israel is very disturbed by this. Yes, we do not expect anything else,” the president said.
“The true owners of the game being played in this region are those who support the desires of the Israeli government. Because Israel cannot take a step without them,” he said.
Erdogan also revealed that due to restrictions on aid to Gaza, all humanitarian needs, including electricity, food, health, and hygiene supplies, cannot be met.
“What has happened since last night (Friday) is truly madness. Despite this bleak situation, the dignified stance, determination, and loyalty of the Gaza people will be recorded in history as an epic of magnificent resistance,” Erdogan concluded.
