President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reaffirmed Türkiye’s firm commitment to Gaza’s recovery and Palestine’s freedom, declaring that “Türkiye is ready to do whatever it takes for Gaza’s immediate revival.”

Addressing the TRT World Forum in Istanbul, President Erdoğan said that a lasting ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and the reconstruction of Gaza could only be achieved by “forcing Israel to comply” with its obligations under international law.

“The world is bigger than five”

In his address, Erdoğan once again called for reforming the global system established after the Second World War, criticizing the United Nations Security Council’s structure for failing to reflect contemporary realities and serve humanity’s needs.

“Each passing day reveals the need to build a fairer, more inclusive, and more embracing global system,” he said. “The current system, established by the victors of the Second World War, does not comply with today’s realities. The United Nations fails to produce solutions to humanity’s common problems due to the unjust decision-making structure of its Security Council. The fate of humanity cannot be left to the mercy of five countries — that is why we say, ‘The world is bigger than five.’”

“Israel has martyred 70,000 Gazans”

Turning to the situation in Gaza, Erdoğan delivered a scathing condemnation of Israel’s two-year campaign of aggression against Palestinians. He noted that “70,000 Gazans, including over 20,000 children, have been martyred,” while over 170,000 others have been wounded.

“There is almost not one single standing structure left in Gaza, where schools, churches, mosques, and hospitals were deliberately bombed. Yet, what are they still saying? ‘Israel is innocent.’ How come so? Israel has nuclear weapons, the most powerful bombs, and the capability to strike Gaza as it wishes. How come Israel is innocent?” he asked.

“Global institutions failed to stop genocide”

The President accused international institutions tasked with preserving global peace of failing to act to prevent genocide in Gaza. He lamented that 270 journalists who sought to expose Israel’s atrocities had been murdered, and that even overwhelming UN General Assembly resolutions had been “sacrificed to self-interest at the Security Council.”

“In the face of all these incidents, institutions in charge of protecting global peace and stability have not taken any steps to stop the atrocities, prevent the genocide, and save children’s lives,” Erdoğan said. “It is impossible to understand or make sense of this.”

“Türkiye will stand with Palestine — always”

Referring to the recently brokered ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, Erdoğan said Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts helped bring a momentary respite for the people of Gaza.

“Our Gazan brothers and sisters have started to breathe a sigh of relief for the first time,” he said. “We see that Hamas is diligently complying with the agreement, while Israel is looking for excuses to violate it and resume its atrocities. The ceasefire’s continuation and Gaza’s revival can be secured only by forcing Israel to act. Türkiye is ready to do whatever it takes for Gaza’s immediate revival.”

He reaffirmed Türkiye’s unwavering support for the two-state solution, urging all nations that have not yet recognized Palestine to “take action and recognize the State of Palestine immediately.”

Türkiye’s role in global peace efforts

Erdoğan also emphasized Türkiye’s proactive diplomacy beyond Gaza, highlighting Ankara’s role in mediating conflicts in Ukraine, Somalia, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

“As Türkiye, we take initiatives not only in Gaza but in every humanitarian crisis,” he said, pointing to successful ceasefire mediation efforts facilitated by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT).

“No country can afford to remain indifferent to the troubles unfolding in their own region. Those who disregard the suffering of others cannot promise a bright future for their own children,” he added. “Whoever keeps silent in the face of injustice is complicit in injustice. Consenting to oppression is oppression.”

“Humanity must question itself”

Erdoğan concluded his speech by drawing attention to the atrocities unfolding in Sudan’s El Fasher, where hundreds of civilians have been killed in recent weeks.

“If children are still dying from Asia to Africa despite the communication revolution of the past 20 years, then we all have to question ourselves,” he said. “We strongly condemn the atrocities committed against civilians in El Fasher. We are ready to do sincerely whatever our brotherly bonds necessitate. Our only wish is that the infighting stops and innocent children, women, and civilians are not killed.”

With his powerful address, President Erdoğan positioned Türkiye once again as a moral voice for justice and peace, reaffirming its determination to stand with the oppressed — from Gaza to Sudan — and to challenge an unjust global order that allows occupation and genocide to persist. (ILKHA)