Erdogan Stresses Türkiye’s Duty to Raise Awareness on Gaza Barbarities
Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s crucial responsibilities, including raising awareness of the “barbarities” inflicted upon the people of Gaza and countering Israeli disinformation efforts. In a video message to the Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers in Istanbul, involving member and observer countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Erdogan declared these tasks as integral to Türkiye’s commitment.
Erdogan asserted that Israel utilizes various means to conceal its “war and crimes against humanity,” employing propaganda tactics and distorting facts. Additionally, Israel leverages its influence over global media organizations to accelerate disinformation efforts. The Turkish President highlighted the role of Western media outlets in contributing to Israel’s “propaganda machine” through biased coverage, emphasizing the duty of Muslim nations to prevent lies from obscuring the truth.
Accusing the Israeli administration of brutally massacring Gazans with the unconditional support of Western powers, Erdogan noted that the majority of deaths from Israeli attacks on Gaza comprise women, children, and the elderly. He underscored that Israeli forces have also targeted members of the press, with over 100 media personnel killed by Israel to silence the voice of the free press.
Providing context to the ongoing conflict, Erdogan mentioned Israel’s continuous attacks on Gaza since October 7, following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, mass destruction, and shortages of necessities, with a substantial portion of Gaza’s population internally displaced and severe damage to infrastructure.
Highlighting the accusation of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice, Erdogan referred to an interim ruling in January that ordered Tel Aviv to cease genocidal acts and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to Gazan civilians. However, hostilities persist, and aid deliveries remain insufficient to address the escalating humanitarian catastrophe.
