Türkiye’s Stance on Gaza Will Be Vindicated by History: Erdogan

Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted that Türkiye’s firm position on the Gaza crisis will ultimately be vindicated by history, just as its stance on Syria has been.

“Just as we were proven right in Syria, history will also affirm our righteousness in the Gaza crisis as well,” Erdogan stated during an event hosted by the Türkiye Exporters Assembly in Istanbul on Friday.

Erdogan’s remarks referenced Türkiye’s past position on Syria, where the regime of Bashar al-Assad, which had been in power since 1963, collapsed on December 8 following the capture of Damascus by anti-regime forces. Assad reportedly fled to Russia, marking the end of Baath Party rule after nearly six decades.

Türkiye’s Trade Suspension with Israel

Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s strong response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, highlighting that it is the only country to completely suspend trade with Israel. In May 2024, Türkiye halted all trade activities with Israel, which amounted to approximately $9.5 billion annually, in protest against what Erdogan described as Israel’s “genocidal war” on Gaza.

Gaza Crisis Escalates

The conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of nearly 45,600 individuals, the majority of whom are women and children. Despite a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, the Israeli military campaign continues unabated, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Israel’s blockade of Gaza has left residents, particularly in the northern region, facing severe food shortages and the brink of starvation.

Türkiye’s Humanitarian Efforts

Türkiye has been at the forefront of international criticism against Israel’s actions and has extended significant humanitarian aid to Gaza. This includes the provision of food and medical supplies as well as facilitating the evacuation of thousands of patients requiring urgent medical care.

Erdogan’s comments underscore Türkiye’s ongoing commitment to advocating for the Palestinian cause and addressing the humanitarian challenges in Gaza, reaffirming the country’s leadership role in the region.