Turkey's leader Erdoğan promises to escalate diplomatic efforts against Israel to prevent a looming humanitarian crisis in Gaza
In a joint press conference in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and visiting Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema expressed grave concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Erdogan condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and called for global action, stating that anyone with dignity and compassion is on the verge of losing patience over Israel's oppression of the enclave. He emphasized the need for increased efforts to secure a ceasefire and establish lasting peace in Gaza.
The conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in the death of over 60,200 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Erdogan. Israel's offensive has devastated Gaza, triggering widespread food shortages and causing severe famine and acute malnutrition among its population.
Over half a million people are estimated to be in IPC Phase 5, indicating catastrophic food insecurity marked by starvation, destitution, and death. One third of the population is going without food for days, and hospitals are overwhelmed treating more than 20,000 children for acute malnutrition since April 2025. At least 16 children under five have died from hunger-related causes since mid-July 2025, and malnutrition rates have reached alarming levels among pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Israel's 18-year blockade on Gaza, which has closed all crossings and halted the entry of humanitarian aid since March 2, has exacerbated the crisis. Since late May 2025, more than 1,600 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food, with many casualties near militarized distribution points and humanitarian convoy routes.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a separate genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Erdogan pledged to intensify efforts to pressure Israel to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. He also commended French President Macron for his "courageous decision" and welcomed European moves toward recognizing the State of Palestine.
The current humanitarian situation in Gaza is a matter of global concern, with international actors urgently working to provide food aid and medical support under extremely challenging conditions. The United Nations, WHO, and aid organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) have made urgent appeals for the sustained, unhindered delivery of diverse and nutritious food, therapeutic supplies for children and vulnerable groups, essential medicines, and fuel for medical centers.
The WFP is responding by providing food aid, which remains the only realistic way for most Gazans to eat amid the destroyed infrastructure and ongoing conflict. WHO highlights the urgent need to protect civilians and health services, calls for an immediate ceasefire, and demands the release of hostages and detained personnel.
[1] UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) [2] World Health Organization (WHO) [3] World Food Programme (WFP) [4] United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish President, strongly criticized Israel's conduct in Gaza, calling for global action to alleviate the escalating humanitarian crisis.
- Turkish Parliament and its officials, such as President Erdogan in Ankara, have been vocal in their disapproval of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, advocating for a ceasefire and long-lasting peace.
- In the midst of the general news and political debates, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a part of Turkiye's neighboring region, continues to receive attention and concern from Turkish leaders.
- Amid the ongoing war-and-conflicts and humanitarian challenges, the World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and other organizations work in close collaboration to deliver essential aid to the people of Gaza, as called for by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
