Erdoğan: Gaza is a Litmus Test for Humanity’s Conscience

Kokcha News Agency – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in an article titled “Humanity’s Conscience is Being Tested in Gaza,” published in Arabic and English on Al Jazeera’s website, described Israel’s continuous attacks on Gaza as an unprecedented erosion of international law and human values. He emphasized that this crisis serves as a “litmus test” for the global community’s commitment to justice.

Burhanettin Duran, Head of the Turkish Presidency’s Communications Directorate, announced on the social media platform Next Social that President Erdoğan wrote the article for Al Jazeera.

Erdoğan highlighted that over 61,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since the attacks began in October 2023. He criticized the indifference and double standards of Western powers, stating, “Their inaction has emboldened Israel to continue its oppression. Those who react strongly to minor incidents elsewhere remain silent in the face of the massacre in Gaza.”

He asserted that “defending Palestine is defending shared human values” and called for an immediate end to the attacks, a lasting ceasefire, the opening of humanitarian corridors, uninterrupted aid delivery, medical treatment for the wounded, and the initiation of international legal proceedings against war criminals.

Erdoğan stressed that the only sustainable solution is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, warning that any other approach would prolong the crisis.

He recalled Turkey’s efforts since the early days of the crisis, including sending aid, treating the wounded in Turkish hospitals, and diplomatic initiatives, reaffirming Turkey’s readiness to play an active role in fair peace negotiations.

Erdoğan also highlighted Turkey’s role in humanitarian diplomacy, noting that Ankara continues its efforts within the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to broker a ceasefire and mediate among Palestinian factions. At the NATO summit in The Hague on June 25, he emphasized the need to transform the fragile ceasefire into lasting peace, warning that “Gaza has no more time to lose.”

He condemned Israel’s attacks as a “violation” of international law, accusing Israel of implementing collective punishment policies and describing its actions as “genocide.” Erdoğan noted Turkey’s close cooperation with Qatar and other regional countries on humanitarian access, ceasefire negotiations, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Erdoğan warned that the violence in Gaza not only threatens Palestinian security but also destabilizes the entire region. He pointed to the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, cautioning that a full-scale conflict could disrupt the security balance from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf, leading to new waves of migration, extremism, and a serious threat to energy security.

He called for an immediate ceasefire, unconditional cessation of attacks, the establishment of humanitarian corridors for food, water, and medicine, and the creation of international mechanisms to protect civilians. Erdoğan also stressed that war crimes and human rights violations must be investigated by the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, with perpetrators held accountable.

Erdoğan emphasized the need for sustainable funding for aid organizations, particularly UNRWA, which is under pressure from Israel. He stated that the reconstruction of Gaza goes beyond rebuilding structures and must include education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic development, and the guarantee of political representation rights.

He called for this process to be implemented with the direct participation of local communities and under the supervision of the UN and regional institutions.

Erdoğan concluded by stating that the foundation of lasting peace is the recognition of an independent, sovereign, and territorially integral Palestinian state. He affirmed that the two-state solution is the only key to peace and stability in the region.

He also condemned the killing of numerous journalists, particularly from Al Jazeera, describing these actions as “the most brutal attacks on press freedom and the right to access information.” Erdoğan noted that the memory of these journalists will remain a symbol of the pursuit of justice.

Erdoğan emphasized that the issue of Palestine and Gaza is a shared test for humanity beyond borders. He reminded the world of the heavy price paid for indifference during the tragedies in Bosnia and Rwanda, stating that Turkey’s firm stance on Gaza is both a moral responsibility and a strategic necessity.

He concluded, “We, along with Qatar and other actors committed to humanitarian diplomacy, will strive for lasting, just, and honorable peace. We believe peace is not impossible but a long-overdue necessity. History will record who took action and who turned a blind eye to the oppression in Gaza. Gaza has no more time to lose. The global community must heed the call of global conscience and act. The future of humanity will be shaped by the courage of the steps taken today.”