ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday strongly criticized the Western nations for their silence on the ongoing massacre in Palestine by brutal Israeli forces.
During his address at the emergency joint Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Erdogan highlighted the apparent contradiction where Western countries, known for championing human rights and freedoms, have chosen to remain silent in the face of what he described as an “unprecedented barbarism in history.” He condemned the relentless Israeli attacks on hospitals, schools, refugee camps, and the widespread civilian casualties in Palestine.
“It is a shame that Western countries, which always voice for human rights and freedoms, remain silent on the massacre in Palestine,” Erdogan stated emphatically during the summit.
Erdogan Stresses Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, Erdogan stressed the vital importance of delivering fuel to critical locations, particularly hospitals. In proposing a proactive measure, he suggested the establishment of a fund within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) dedicated to the reconstruction of Gaza.
The joint Arab-Islamic summit, hosted by Saudi Arabia, aims to facilitate dialogue and concrete actions among representatives of the Islamic world in response to the recent developments in the region. The summit serves as a platform for leaders to exchange ideas and collaborate on addressing the pressing issues arising from the conflict in Gaza.
The Israeli military campaign, which began on October 7 in response to a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, has resulted in substantial casualties and destruction. At least 11,078 Palestinians have been martyred, including 4,506 children and 3,027 women, while the Israeli death toll is reported to be around 1,200 according to official figures.
Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit https://t.co/lmvouXgVjQ
— OIC (@OIC_OCI) November 11, 2023
