Turkish Presidency spox slams Gaza city seizure plan as genocide

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 20:24

Turkish presidential communications chief Burhanettin Duran condemned "Israel's" Gaza City takeover plan as genocide and a grave breach of international law

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Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran speaks at a panel, Ankara, Türkiye, July 16, 2025 (AA Photo)

Burhanettin Duran, Head of Communications for the Turkish presidency, has accused "Israel" of committing genocide in Gaza, warning that the ongoing military offensive will deepen the humanitarian catastrophe gripping the enclave.

"We strongly condemn Israel's decision to invade Gaza, which will further exacerbate human rights violations and the humanitarian crisis ... Israel's continued occupation is contrary to international law and humanitarian values. Given the intensification of heavy bombing of the civilian population, the destruction of infrastructure, and the failure to meet basic humanitarian needs during the attacks, what Israel is doing in Gaza is outright genocide," Duran wrote on X.

He stressed that "Israel’s" plans and assaults are "targeting all of humanity, peace and stability," and declared that "there can be no justification for occupation, oppression, or the deliberate targeting of innocent lives. Humanity’s conscience cannot be silenced. It is essential that the international community firmly stand against such unilateral actions and actively pursue an equitable resolution."

Duran also urged world leaders to "break the silence and lift your voice for humanity and justice," insisting that "the global conscience has the power to stop and overcome Israel." He echoed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s firm stance, quoting him as saying: "All others may choose silence and indifference; yet we do not, we cannot simply remain silent, and rest assured, we will not."

Gaza City Seizure

His remarks come just as "Israel’s" security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to seize Gaza City in what Israeli officials have described as the first phase of a broader military campaign. The decision, reached after more than 10 hours of deliberations, includes orders for the evacuation of about one million Palestinians from Gaza City and surrounding areas by October 7, followed by a siege on remaining fighters and a ground invasion.

Netanyahu’s office stated the goal is to dismantle Hamas, secure the return of captives, and establish a "security perimeter," while ensuring humanitarian aid is provided outside combat zones. The cabinet also adopted five guiding principles: neutralizing Hamas, returning captives, fully demilitarizing Gaza, maintaining Israeli security control after the war, and installing a new civilian administration excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

Hamas has rejected Netanyahu’s comments, arguing that they represent an abandonment of negotiations and a step toward entrenching Israeli military control. Humanitarian organizations have warned that the planned mass displacement will intensify shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, conditions that UN agencies say are pushing Gaza further toward famine and systemic collapse.

Earlier today, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged "Israel" to immediately reconsider its plan to take control of Gaza City, calling the move "wrong" and counterproductive to resolving the ongoing war. In Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk also condemned the proposed military takeover, calling for its immediate suspension.