‘96% of the population—over 2 million people—lack access to clean food and water in Palestine’
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated his appeal for an immediate and lasting cease-fire in Gaza, highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Speaking at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil during a session on Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty, Erdogan said, “Once again, I call for an immediate and lasting cease-fire in the face of the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.”
He pointed out the dire conditions in the Palestinian enclave, where 96% of the population—over 2 million people—lack access to clean food and water. “The risk of famine in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels according to international classifications,” Erdogan said, adding that the situation worsens daily due to escalating attacks and the onset of winter.
Türkiye has delivered over 86,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza and more than 1,300 tons to Lebanon, the Turkish leader noted.
Erdogan also criticised global efforts to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, stating that progress has been insufficient in addressing hunger and poverty, which affect one in 10 people worldwide. Türkiye, he said, remains committed to providing aid globally, considering it a moral duty.
He praised Brazil’s G20 presidency for initiating the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, describing it as both a strategic and ethical necessity. Erdogan emphasised the need to support civilians affected by conflicts, particularly in Gaza, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, while building this alliance.
Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s robust social security system and its leadership in food security initiatives. He noted the Black Sea Grain Initiative’s role in stabilising global food prices and mitigating famine risks.
Türkiye’s Zero Waste Project, which aims to combat environmental pollution and encourage conservation, has become a global movement. On March 30, the UN declared it International Zero Waste Day. Erdogan proposed including food waste reduction and the Zero Waste initiative as priorities in the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
He expressed Türkiye’s readiness to collaborate on ensuring access to sufficient, nutritious food for all.
Separately, Erdogan met with leaders from the MIKTA group—Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Türkiye, and Australia—before joining a family photo session with summit attendees.
