The current president of Turkey, Tayyip Erdogan, launched a harsh criticism of the countries in the West, Spain in particular, who provide Israel with cover for what he called their “barbaric attacks” on Gaza. In his speech at a Ramadan dinner to foreign ambassadors in Ankara, Erdogan hit out at the indecisive action policy of Western countries he believes has allowed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to exploit it for extra violence without coming to account.
In response, Erdogan urged for more international pressure on Israel and the opening of Gaza so more humanitarian aid can go to Gaza, especially during Ramadan. In short, he characterized the brutal political regime of Israel as “murderous, cruel, criminal, lying, and fascist,” declaring their cries for calm as long as their support for Israel would last is a lie.
The Turkish president underlined the implementation of the haulage of the aid packets immediately through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. He highlighted the shortfall in the current aid level and the very bad situation in Gaza, which is far beyond what people need.
Turkey keenly follows Israel’s military operation in Gaza, and it provides a lot of humanitarian aid, sending about 40,000 tons of supplies via the Suez Canal. Erdogan maintained that Turkey called for a ceasefire and succeeded in getting the international community actively involved in solving the humanitarian problem on Earth.
Israeli authorities claim that they permit aid deliveries through two openings on the southern edge of Gaza. In contrast, agencies stress that these supply deliveries are inadequate to meet the people’s necessities, especially given that Gaza is further divided into the southern part and the northern part (which remains isolated). Erdogan said,
“I propose that the existing support volume for the people of Gaza will be increased in Ramadan.”
He announced that humanitarian help would be granted through different channels involving public authorities, unions, and private initiatives. Last Wednesday, the Red Crescent of Turkey received the largest aid shipment so far, consisting of 3,000 tons of food, medicine, and material.
The situation in Gaza remains highly precarious, with ongoing military operations and a desperate need for international intervention to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population. Erdogan’s strong words reflect the growing international outcry over the situation and the urgent call for action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
