Ankara (The COW News Digital) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, calling them “a clear act of genocide” against the Palestinian people. His remarks came during a joint press conference in Ankara with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where he also criticized Germany’s silence over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Is Germany blind to Israel’s genocide in Gaza?” Erdogan asked pointedly during the conference, accusing Western nations of double standards and complicity through inaction. “Israel possesses nuclear weapons, while Hamas has none. Yet the world remains silent as innocent civilians, including children, are being massacred.”
Erdogan’s statement comes amid escalating global outrage over Israel’s continuous bombardment of Gaza, which has led to thousands of civilian deaths and severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. The Turkish president reiterated that the attacks violate international law and basic human rights.
He further urged Germany and other European countries to adopt a more balanced and humanitarian approach to the Middle East conflict. “The violations of ceasefire agreements and the deliberate targeting of civilians are crimes against humanity,” he said. “Turkey, Germany, and other responsible nations must act swiftly to stop the killings and famine in Gaza.”
The Turkish leader emphasized that immediate political and humanitarian measures are needed to halt the violence. “The priority must be saving lives, restoring peace, and ensuring that aid reaches those suffering in Gaza,” Erdogan said.
Erdogan’s criticism of Germany marks another episode in the strained relations between Ankara and Berlin, particularly over their differing stances on Israel’s military actions. While Germany has consistently defended Israel’s right to self-defense, Turkey has positioned itself as a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, calling for international sanctions against Israel.
The Turkish government has also been actively coordinating with Arab and Muslim-majority countries to push for an urgent ceasefire through the United Nations. Turkish officials have confirmed that humanitarian aid flights to Egypt’s Rafah border crossing are continuing to support displaced Palestinians.
Erdogan concluded his address by warning that the ongoing bloodshed could ignite broader regional instability if the international community fails to intervene. “What is happening in Gaza is not war — it is extermination,” he declared. “The world must no longer remain a spectator.”
