Erdoğan slams inaction over conflicts across regions

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on April 29 sharply criticized what he described as the international community’s indifference to ongoing conflicts, accusing the “civilized world” of ignoring suffering in war zones and failing to uphold its own stated values.

During an awards ceremony in the Turkish capital Ankara, Erdoğan said global reactions to wars from the Middle East to Africa have been inadequate, declaring that the world is in deliberate inaction or silence in the face of wrongdoing.

“From Palestine to Lebanon, from the Gulf to Sudan … wherever we turn, we see tears,” Erdoğan said, pointing to civilian casualties across multiple regions. He added that “the civilized world” has remained passive while “babies in cradles and defenseless civilians are being brutally killed.”

Erdoğan argued that countries and institutions that frequently emphasize human rights, justice and equality are now exposing what he called their “true face” by failing to respond decisively to humanitarian crises.

His remarks came during the 11th International Quran Recitation Competition award ceremony, where he also urged unity among Muslims amid what he described as a “difficult and painful period.”

The president called on Muslim nations to avoid internal divisions and instead show solidarity, saying that unity is essential in confronting global challenges and ongoing conflicts.

Ankara has been vocal in criticizing international responses to conflicts, particularly in Gaza and other parts of the region, positioning itself as an advocate for stronger global action to protect civilians.

Türkiye and Israel have had sharply strained relations since the outbreak of the war with Hamas. Erdoğan has frequently accused Netanyahu’s government of committing “genocide” in the enclave.

Since the conflict erupted in October 2023, Türkiye has taken steps to cut trade with Israel. Last April, Ankara banned exports of more than 1,000 products to Israel and later imposed a full suspension of exports, imports and transit trade across all categories.

Türkiye has appointed diplomat Mehmet Güllüoğlu as the Palestinian Humanitarian Aid Coordinator to oversee relief operations in Gaza and liaise with local authorities and international partners.

Earlier this month, Erdoğan said Türkiye is actively leading diplomatic efforts to ease Middle East tensions, extend the fragile ceasefire and sustain negotiations between Iran and the United States.