Erdogan Condemns Israeli Actions in Gaza During UN Address
In a recent speech at a meeting with U.S. think tank representatives, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government for exacerbating conflict in the region. Speaking on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Erdogan highlighted the devastating toll of the ongoing violence in Gaza, revealing that over 41,000 civilians, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives since October 7.
Erdogan painted a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where approximately 1.9 million individuals have been displaced. He reported that 70% of the region's water resources and 75% of bakeries have been destroyed, while 95% of health facilities have suffered partial or complete damage. The Turkish leader expressed deep concern over the destruction of homes, noting that 200,000 have been partially destroyed, with 80,000 rendered uninhabitable. Access to clean water has become increasingly difficult, leading to alarming outbreaks of diseases such as hepatitis and polio.
Emphasizing Turkey's commitment to peace, Erdogan called for a permanent ceasefire and the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. He urged the international community to take decisive action to thwart Netanyahu's attempts to escalate warfare in the region and to apply pressure on Israel to cease its military actions. Erdogan also addressed the broader issue of terrorism, reaffirming Turkey's dedication to combating terrorist organizations to ensure national and regional security, while supporting the territorial integrity of neighboring countries, Syria and Iraq.
