Erdogan Applauds European Nations’ Recognition of Palestine
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has welcomed the recent decisions by Norway, Ireland, and Spain to recognize the state of Palestine. Speaking at the International Benevolence Awards ceremony in Ankara on Wednesday, Erdogan urged other nations to follow suit, highlighting the urgent need for broader international support.
“I am very pleased with today’s announcements by Norway, Ireland, and Spain that they will recognize the state of Palestine,” Erdogan said.
This development comes amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel’s offensive, which began on October 7, 2023, continues despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.
“Those who provide logistical and military support to occupiers bear the same responsibility for the blood flowing in Gaza as the occupiers themselves,” Erdogan asserted, directing criticism towards Western powers supporting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He warned that such support perpetuates the violence and could lead to new global conflicts.
Erdogan further condemned Israel’s actions, stating, “Israel has lost this war and been condemned in the eyes of humanity.” He accused Tel Aviv of turning Gaza into a “huge children’s cemetery” over the past 229 days.
Currently, eight EU countries—Bulgaria, Poland, Czechia, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Sweden, and the Greek Cypriot administration—already recognize Palestine. Erdogan’s call for wider recognition comes at a time when more than 35,700 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed and nearly 80,000 injured since the conflict began.
The devastation in Gaza, exacerbated by a blockade limiting access to food, clean water, and medicine, has drawn international condemnation. The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of genocide and mandated measures to prevent further atrocities and ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza.
In a related development, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has announced plans to seek arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, over actions taken during the conflict.
Erdogan’s call for international recognition of Palestine and his strong condemnation of Israeli actions underscore the growing tension and urgency for a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
