Turkish president has criticised Muslim countries for their limited response to the ongoing situation in Gaza, while accusing some Western nations of fully supporting Israel.
“Several Western nations have offered Israel extensive military, political, economic, and moral support, whereas Muslim countries’ inadequate response has allowed the crisis to worsen,” said Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a joint summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Israel aims to settle in Gaza, eliminate Palestinian presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and eventually annex the territory. Progress toward this goal is ongoing, and we must intervene,” he warned.
Erdogan emphasized that Israel has killed around 50,000 Palestinians, with 70% of the casualties being women and children. He called for urgent action to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, noting that Turkey has already sent over 84,000 tons of aid and is prepared to send more once restrictions are lifted.
He accused Israel of preventing humanitarian aid delivery, stating that supplies have been held up in Egypt for months.
Erdogan urged Islamic nations to take stronger action against Israel, including an arms embargo, halting trade, and isolating it internationally until hostilities cease.
“Türkiye has already applied trade restrictions on Israel. We are prepared to implement practical measures to pressure the Netanyahu government,” he stated.
Erdogan also dismissed the feasibility of a two-state solution under Israel’s current administration, advocating for broader international recognition of Palestine and encouraging support for South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The Arab-Islamic summit, with over 50 leaders from Arab and Islamic nations, convened in Saudi Arabia to address Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon amidst ongoing conflicts.
