Islamic world failed to prevent Gaza’s destruction: Erdogan

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
18 Apr 2025 19:10

Turkish President Erdogan criticizes global inaction amid the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza as the death toll nears 60,000.

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A Palestinian woman reacts as others carry the body of their relative, killed in an Israeli airstrike, in preparation for burial at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Wednesday, April 16, 2025 (AP)

The Islamic world failed to prevent the destruction of Gaza and the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared, as the Israeli onslaught relentlessly continues across the territory.

"With sadness and tears in my eyes, I state that, unfortunately, the Islamic world has failed to do what was expected of it. All means of diplomacy have been used, and contacts have been established. But in the end, the complete destruction of Gaza and the death of almost 60,000 Palestinians could not have been prevented," Erdogan dramatically said during a parliamentary group meeting in Istanbul held in support of Palestine.

Erdogan condemned what he described as a lack of meaningful international response to the crisis in Gaza, accusing the Israeli government of acting with “complete madness,” targeting civilians indiscriminately.

"Journalists are being killed — international media organizations are watching. Children are being killed — human rights activists are watching. A world order that does not support the oppressed is doomed to become a plaything of the oppressors. Where are the Western states that would impose an arms embargo on Israel at the slightest incident?" he said.

Turkiye says 'Israel' greatest threat to regional security

Earlier in April, Ankara condemned the Israeli occupation's actions in the region, calling it the "greatest threat" to regional security due to its attacks on the territorial integrity and national unity of neighboring countries, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry accused the Israeli occupation of fostering chaos, promoting terrorism, and undermining strategic stability. "For security to be established in the region, the Israeli occupation must first abandon its expansionist policies," the statement read.

Turkiye also called on the Israeli regime to withdraw from the occupied territories and to cease obstructing efforts aimed at stabilizing Syria.

"It is crucial for the international community to take responsibility in preventing Israel’s reckless aggression," the ministry added, questioning why "Israel" was disturbed by developments in Syria and Lebanon that "hold great promise for stability."

The Turkish statement came in response to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who, during a press conference in Paris, expressed concerns over Turkiye’s "negative role" in Syria, Lebanon, and other areas. "They are doing their utmost to turn Syria into a Turkish protectorate, and it is clear that this is their intention," Sa'ar said.