Online Reporter
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
THE humanitarian tragedy unfolding in the Gaza Strip must not be viewed merely as a conflict confined to a narrow strip of land; rather, it should be recognised as a deepening humanitarian catastrophe that wounds the collective conscience of humanity with each passing day. Israel’s months-long bombardments have targeted women, children, and the elderly, rendering cities uninhabitable. Homes, hospitals, schools, and places of worship have been reduced to rubble, while essential services such as food, water, healthcare, and electricity have collapsed. Hunger, thirst, and the looming threat of epidemic disease are propelling Gaza towards total humanitarian collapse. To date, more than 61 000 Palestinians — the majority of them women and children — have been killed in Israeli attacks. This is not merely the mark of war, but a stark testament to a systematic policy of annihilation.
In the face of such a dire situation, the world’s silence — or its feeble responses — only deepens the suffering and paves the way for continued oppression. The West’s double standards, rushing to act in some crises while adopting an ambivalent stance on Gaza, undermine the credibility of an international order supposedly founded on principles and rules. It is a fact that had the same swift and comprehensive sensitivity shown towards the crisis in Ukraine been applied to the atrocities in Gaza, the landscape we face today would be entirely different. Israel’s ability to act without the slightest sanction has accelerated the erosion of international law and human rights norms. The crisis in Gaza stands as a litmus test of whether the international community is willing and able to uphold the most fundamental human values.
From the outset, Türkiye has demonstrated a resolute, consistent, and principled stance in seeking to end the atrocities and the worsening humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Our Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, and our civil society organisations are actively working on the ground. Despite all obstacles, food, medicines, and medical supplies are being delivered to the region with the support of brotherly nations in the vicinity. Wounded Gazans are being evacuated and treated in Türkiye. These relief efforts not only address urgent needs but also send a clear message to the world that the people of Gaza are not alone. On the diplomatic front, our calls for a ceasefire continue within the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and our mediation efforts between Palestinian groups are ongoing.
At the Nato Summit held in The Hague on June 25, I underlined that the fragile ceasefire must be transformed into a lasting peace, warning that “Gaza has no time to lose.” I have openly described Israel’s attacks and its policy of collective punishment — in flagrant disregard of international law — as genocide. We are working closely, particularly with Qatar, on humanitarian access, ceasefire negotiations, and reconstruction. We value Qatar’s leading role in facilitating humanitarian aid and advancing diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the massacre.
The violence in Gaza threatens not only the Palestinian people but also the stability of the entire region. Tensions between Israel and Iran heighten the risk of a broader conflict, with the potential to disrupt the security balance from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Gulf. The deepening crisis poses serious threats in the form of new waves of displacement, increased radicalisation, and risks to energy security. The Gaza question is, therefore, not solely a humanitarian crisis but also a matter of strategic importance for global security and peace.
The path to a solution is, in essence, clear. An immediate ceasefire must be declared, and all attacks halted unconditionally. Humanitarian corridors must be opened to ensure the unimpeded delivery of food, water, and medical aid, and international mechanisms must be established to protect civilians. Türkiye stands ready to play an active role in shaping this process. War crimes and human rights violations must be investigated by the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice; perpetrators must be held accountable. Sustainable resources must be secured for aid organisations — particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) — which are being strangled by Israeli pressure.
The reconstruction of Gaza must go beyond rebuilding destroyed structures; it must evolve into a comprehensive process that safeguards the rights to education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic development, and political representation. This process should be conducted with the direct participation of the local population and under the oversight of the United Nations and regional organisations. The foundation of lasting peace lies in the recognition of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine with its territorial integrity preserved. A two-state solution remains the only viable path to peace and stability in the region.
The events in Gaza once again demonstrate that war also targets those who seek to reveal the truth. In recent months, numerous journalists have been killed simply for doing their duty — striving to bring the reality of conflict zones to the world. The losses suffered by Al Jazeera, in particular, rank among the most brutal assaults on Press freedom and the right to information. The deaths of these courageous individuals, who sought to lift the veil of lies and propaganda that shrouds war, are a profound loss for us all. Their memory will endure as a symbol of the pursuit of justice. I extend my condolences to their families, colleagues, and the entire media community.
The cause of Palestine and Gaza transcends borders; it is a shared test of humanity. We must never forget the heavy price paid by human dignity when the world turned a blind eye to the tragedies of Bosnia and Rwanda. For this reason, Türkiye’s unwavering stance on Gaza is both a moral obligation and a strategic necessity. Together with all actors who believe in humanitarian diplomacy — foremost among them Qatar — we will continue our efforts towards a lasting, just, and honourable peace. We believe that achieving peace is not beyond reach, but rather an essential goal that has been delayed for far too long. We are committed to making every effort to realise it and will persist in our endeavours.
History is bearing witness to those who took action and to those who turned away from the cruelty in Gaza. Gaza has no time to lose; the international community must heed the voice of the global conscience and act. The future of humanity will be shaped by the courage of the steps we take today. – Al Jazeera
Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the President of Turkiye.
