Israel cannot establish security by killing women, children: Erdoğan
An aerial view shows destroyed buildings in al-Zahra city south of Gaza City, Palestine, Oct. 20, 2023. (AFP Photo)


President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Israel cannot establish security by killing children and women, or by bombing hospitals, schools, mosques and churches in Gaza.

In a message he posted on his social media account, the president said Israel has been acting like a terrorist group rather than a state, with the contribution of outside actors, as he noted that attacks against Gaza will only bring more pain, death and tears.

He also criticized Western media outlets for trying to legitimize violence against the innocent people in Gaza.

Erdoğan also called on all countries and international institutions to support efforts to establish a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza.

"We believe that by setting up new mechanisms to guarantee the safety of all living in these lands, our region will achieve lasting stability," he said, as he urged Israel to immediately halt attacks against civilians and its operations, which have also reached the level of genocide.

Erdoğan reiterated that Türkiye is ready to undertake responsibility to stop the ongoing violence and prevent further humanitarian tragedy in Palestine.

Erdoğan harshly criticized Western powers for adding fuel to the fire as Israel carries out a massacre in Gaza through airstrikes and an inhumane blockade, as he said efforts to bring calm are being disrupted by their support for Tel Aviv.

Israel targeted schools, refugee camps, mosques, as well as Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, which killed almost 500 people on Tuesday, and a Greek Orthodox church on Thursday.

Gaza is already experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.

The conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multipronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

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

At least 4,137 Palestinians have so far been killed, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.

Ankara supports a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, including the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.