Emine Erdoğan Condemns Israeli Actions in Palestine as “Post-Modern Holocaust” at Doha Forum
Doha, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan delivered a powerful address at the Doha Forum 2024, condemning Israel’s actions in Palestine as a “post-modern Holocaust” and calling for immediate international intervention to stop the ongoing violence.
Highlighting the devastating toll of Israeli attacks, Erdoğan noted that over 44,000 civilians, including 16,000 children, have been killed in Gaza, with critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools, reduced to rubble. She questioned the legitimacy of Israel’s claims of self-defense, asking, “Who is Israel protecting itself from by dropping more than 70,000 tonnes of bombs on Gaza, half of whose population is under the age of 18?”
The first lady described the violence as an “organized cruelty” aimed at erasing Palestinian culture and history. “This is not a war. It is a calculated attempt to impose a world order where only the strongest survive, and other lives are deemed expendable,” she declared.
Criticism of Western Silence
Erdoğan also criticized what she called the “hypocrisy of the so-called ‘civilized’ world,” accusing Western nations of turning a blind eye to the atrocities in Gaza despite championing humanitarian values. She stated that the global community’s inaction and silence have made them complicit in the suffering of Palestinians.
“Does the definition of ‘human’ apply only to those within the boundaries determined by the West?” she asked, urging the world to take a moral stand.
Call for Action and Solidarity
Emphasizing the resilience of the Palestinian people, Erdoğan called for a collective effort to preserve their heritage and humanity. “The people of Gaza remind us of virtues we have forgotten, standing unyielding against oppression,” she said. She also stressed the urgency of securing a ceasefire, stating, “For the innocent lives we can still save, let us cry out for an immediate ceasefire—without hesitation, without conditions, and without excuses.”
Türkiye’s Support for Palestine
Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for Palestine, highlighting the country’s role as the largest provider of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Türkiye has delivered 88,000 tonnes of aid and continues to champion Palestinian independence through diplomatic efforts.
She concluded her speech with a poignant excerpt from a poem by Refaat Alareer, a professor and poet killed in the violence, underscoring the shared responsibility to honor and preserve the story of Palestine.
“The story of Professor Refaat, of young Hind Rajab, and countless others is entrusted to all of us,” Erdoğan said. “The story of Palestine is our shared legacy.”
