Erdoğan denounces forced transfer of Gazans as 'unacceptable'

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Türkiye-Africa 4th Business and Economy Forum on Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has denounced the forced transfer of Gazans as 'unacceptable'.

"To force the population of Gaza to migrate in 24 hours is unacceptable," Erdoğan said in a statement while criticising Israel's deadly airstrikes on the Gaza Strip after Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against occupying forces.

Erdoğan shared the following remarks regarding the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Strip:

"While we were already dealing with the negative repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the recent events in Israel and Palestine have deeply affected us. We are genuinely concerned that the existing tension might escalate further and extend its reach into the region. Let me be unequivocal: we wholeheartedly denounce, and will continue to denounce, actions such as the bombing of mosques, hospitals, and civilian settlements.
It is no secret that the ongoing blockade in Gaza has exacerbated the humanitarian situation, making the region susceptible to provocations. I want to make an earnest plea to the entire global community: the severing of electricity, water, fuel, and food to the 2 million people residing in a mere 360 square kilometers is a blatant violation of the most fundamental human rights.

Imposing collective punishment on the people of Gaza will only exacerbate the problem, perpetuate the suffering, and elicit more anguish, tension, and tears. The Israeli authorities must permit the passage of humanitarian aid through the Rafah Gate. In fact, just this morning, we dispatched a humanitarian aid plane to Arish Airport, including essential supplies like medicine, non-perishable food items, diapers, water, and medical equipment. This shipment, marking the first batch of aid materials to arrive in the region since the conflict's inception, landed at the airport at 12:00 today. Meanwhile, our Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) is diligently preparing additional aid for dispatch. It's noteworthy that the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are similarly engaged in providing humanitarian assistance. However, the talk of sending an aircraft carrier to the region by the United States, and England's consideration of such a move, makes one question whether these actions align with the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

At this very moment, women, children, and mothers are suffering in Gaza. Regrettably, there appears to be a lack of concern for this ongoing humanitarian crisis. This deeply troubles us. If there is any genuine commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, then it's our collective responsibility to discuss the type of support we can provide in this situation. Yet, some seem to be oblivious to these critical matters. We are resolute in continuing to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza in close coordination with our Egyptian counterparts. As millions of people teeter on the brink of starvation, the suspension of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people only adds a new layer of shame to those who sanctioned this course of action.

We implore all parties to act sensibly, first deliberating a ceasefire and subsequently working toward a lasting peace. Both my Minister of Foreign Affairs and I are currently en route to Egypt, with additional efforts, including the release of hostages, being intensified through the close collaboration of our National Intelligence Organization (MİT) President and myself. However, the provocative stances taken by certain actors, which only further inflame the situation rather than fostering tranquility, have had a detrimental impact on our efforts and have exacerbated the crisis.

One point I would like to underscore is that Gaza is currently a place of oppression and victimization, whereas Israel does not find itself in a similarly oppressed position. The deployment of United States aircraft carriers to the region, particularly given our NATO partnership, unfortunately does not contribute to peace, tranquility, dialogue, diplomacy, or the reduction of tensions between the involved parties. Moreover, it's important to address the recent comments made by the U.S. Secretary of State. He stated, 'I approach Israel as a Jew, not as a Foreign Minister.' This kind of political rhetoric and approach is perplexing. When such remarks are made, what if those around him start saying that they approach the situation from a religious or ethnic perspective? Why not approach it as fellow human beings? Do you not see the dire circumstances of those children? Do you not witness the suffering of the children who have lost their lives? Do you not see the agony their parents are enduring? I urge everyone to reflect on this. We have taken measures to ensure the safety of Israeli Embassies in our country, recognizing the need for heightened security during these times, as unforeseen events can occur. The security of embassies in our nation remains our priority."

The Israeli military's call for Palestinians living in the north of Gaza Strip to move to the south of the strip within 24 hours is "in no way acceptable," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
"The forced migration of 2.5 million people in Gaza, who have endured days of indiscriminate bombing and have been denied access to electricity, water, and food, in an extremely limited area represents a blatant violation of international law and stands in stark contrast to basic human decency," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry called on Israel to immediately reverse this "grave mistake" and "immediately cease its brutal and all-out actions" against the civilian population in Gaza.
In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israeli forces launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip, a response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories.

The conflict began last Saturday when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air.

Hamas said the operation was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers' growing violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

Israel's response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.