Ongoing Brutal Israeli Attacks in Gaza Are Clear Piracy and War Crimes - President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Ongoing Brutal Israeli Attacks in Gaza Are Clear Piracy and War Crimes - President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Istanbul, April 8, 2025: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Tuesday that Ankara believes escalating tensions in Gaza and attempts to follow a new map for expansionist purposes will not benefit anyone.

Speaking at a meeting of provincial heads of his Justice and Development Party (AKP), Erdoğan stated, "We will continue to stand firm in speaking the truth against oppressors, just as we have against the global Zionist lobby's pressure."

He condemned Israeli violence in Gaza, labeling it "blatant piracy" and "clear war crimes." He further mentioned reports of gunfire at ambulances and the killing of medical personnel, which identify Israel's actions as war crimes.

On Saturday, Palestine reported that video footage showing the killing of 15 paramedics and relief workers in Rafah, southern Gaza, contradicted Israel’s claims that ambulances were not randomly targeted. The video, which went viral on Saturday, was obtained from the phone of a Palestinian paramedic whose body was found in a mass grave along with 14 colleagues.

Erdoğan emphasized that as Gaza's human dignity is clearly violated, Ankara will continue to show strong support for Palestinians and "will never turn its back on them." He also stated that he will address the situation in Gaza at the upcoming Antalya Diplomatic Forum and will seek answers on "what can be done to stop the oppression."

Reaffirming Turkey's commitment to Syria, he said, "We will always stand by our Syrian brothers and sisters, and we will diligently fulfill our responsibility to ensure stability in Syria."

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara will attend the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, which is scheduled to take place from April 11-13, as announced by an AKP spokesperson last Monday.