Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged the international community to take action against what he described as Israel's "bloodthirstiness" and systematic oppression of Palestinians.

Erdogan's remarks were made during a videoconference address to Türkiye's Justice and Development (AK) Party on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Erdogan highlighted the prolonged suffering of the Palestinian people, who have faced occupation and systematic violence for 76 years, noting that the ongoing conflict continues to cast a shadow over their lives, even during festive periods like Eid al-Adha.

“The pain of 38,000 of our brothers who were martyred treacherously by the genocidal Israeli administration tears our hearts as a nation and as an Ummah. We are going through days of testing not only our Muslim identity but also our humanity. Showing reaction to the massacre in Gaza is not only our duty of brotherhood but also our humanitarian duty,” Erdogan stated.

He condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration for exacerbating regional tensions to extend its political tenure, and he emphasized Türkiye's commitment to establishing peace and holding those responsible for alleged genocide accountable. This includes Türkiye's participation in a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and the cessation of trade transactions with Israel to pressure for a permanent ceasefire.

Erdogan also reaffirmed Türkiye's efforts to unite the Islamic world and increase international recognition of the Palestinian state. He stressed the importance of not remaining silent in the face of tragedies in Gaza and other parts of the Islamic world. "From Libya to Somalia, from Afghanistan to Yemen, wherever there is trouble, instability, or tragedy, we rush to the aid of the oppressed without discrimination," he asserted.

Erdogan's calls for action were reiterated during his recent meetings at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Italy and a visit to Spain, where he voiced his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His comments come amid ongoing efforts by Türkiye to address humanitarian crises and conflicts in various regions. (ILKHA)