Turkish President Erdogan Blames West for Suffering in Gaza

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Western nations of being the primary culprits behind the ongoing suffering in Gaza. Speaking at a massive rally in Istanbul on Saturday, Erdogan criticized the double standards and hypocrisy he perceives in the international community’s response to conflicts.

“The main culprit behind the massacre unfolding in Gaza is the West,” Erdogan declared to the crowd. “We are against all these double standards and all these hypocrisies,” he added, highlighting what he sees as the West’s selective empathy—shedding tears over deaths in Ukraine while seemingly ignoring the plight of Palestinian civilians.

Erdogan’s comments come amid escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip, where the conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant civilian casualties. While many in the international community are calling for an immediate ceasefire, criticisms have been levied against certain Western powers for their stance on the conflict.

The Turkish leader specifically pointed to the United States, suggesting that Washington is adding fuel to the tensions by supporting Israel’s right to self-defense without adequately addressing the occupation of Palestinian territories. “Granting Israel’s ‘right to self-defense’ without acknowledging the root causes only worsens the situation,” Erdogan stated.

He also questioned the Western approach to providing humanitarian assistance, implying that it serves as a justification for military actions in the region. “Shouting ‘humanitarian assistance’ while sending missiles and warplanes is not the path to peace,” he remarked.

Erdogan’s strong stance reflects a broader sentiment in parts of the international community that calls for a more balanced and just approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. By voicing these concerns, he aims to draw attention to what he perceives as injustices and to advocate for the rights of Palestinian people.

The situation in Gaza remains volatile, and the international community continues to grapple with how best to address the conflict. Erdogan’s assertions underscore the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the challenges in achieving a lasting peace.