ALBAWABA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's activities in Gaza have drawn harsh criticism from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has called for international involvement to stop them.
Speaking at the "31st Consultation and Evaluation Meeting" of the AK Party in Kızılcahamam, Erdoğan denounced Netanyahu, calling him a "barbarian" who is to blame for plunging the region and the globe into chaos.
After almost eight months of nonstop fighting in Gaza, Erdoğan blasted the protracted battle there. He said that Israel was continuing an oppressive and occupying war against the Palestinian people that has lasted 76 years, during which time their land has been gradually taken.
"The ongoing massacre in Gaza is not new; it is the continuation of 76 years of occupation and oppression," Erdoğan declared. Stressing Turkey's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, he vowed to keep up the resistance against what he called the "inhuman" Israeli government.
Erdoğan emphasized that Netanyahu was reportedly responding to recent attempts by Hamas to accept peace agreements with increased bloodshed, including one from US President Joe Biden. Erdogan said, "We have to stop this thug Netanyahu," and urged the world to make Israel responsible for its deeds.
The president of Turkey reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting Gaza and putting further financial pressure on Israel. He said that 147 nations have already recognized Palestine and that Turkey is in active talks with both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. Turkey also supports the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
As a last demand to confront Israel's practices of occupation and oppression, Erdoğan called for broader international recognition of Palestinian statehood. Reiterating that Turkey would always support Palestine, he said, "Our Palestinian brothers are defending humanity and human values in Gaza."
With increased tensions and continuous bloodshed in the area, Erdoğan made a powerful speech underscoring the pressing need for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
