Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sharply criticized Israel's actions in Gaza and called on Germany to join efforts to end the humanitarian crisis during a joint press conference on Thursday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ankara. Merz, who formed Germany's new coalition government in May, is on his inaugural visit to the Turkish capital.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Turkish president said he could not agree with earlier remarks by the German chancellor supporting Israel, adding that Israel's attacks have killed nearly 60,000 people, including children, women, and the elderly. Erdogan remarked that the Palestinian group Hamas 'has neither bombs nor nuclear weapons, but Israel does,' and accused Israel of using them to strike Gaza. He challenged Germany's stance with the question, 'Germany, don't you see this?'
Erdogan conveyed Ankara's views to Merz on preventing renewed atrocities in Gaza and emphasized support for a two-state solution as a path to lasting peace. He drew a parallel with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, expressing a desire for an end to Israel's war on Gaza and proposing that Trkiye and Germany collaborate to achieve this aim.
Highlighting Trkiye's efforts, Erdogan stated that his foreign minister, defense minister, and intelligence teams are actively working to prevent any issues related to Hamas. He expressed readiness for close cooperation and mentioned that his ministers are engaging with relevant parties.
Erdogan further condemned Israel's ongoing assaults on Gaza, accusing it of attempting to subdue the territory through starvation and actions he described as genocide. He cited a death toll exceeding 68,500, mostly women and children, with over 170,600 others injured since October 2023.
Trkiye's Red Crescent, according to Erdogan, has struggled to deliver food aid to Gaza, with the Red Cross there facing constant threats. Despite sending over 100,000 tons of food aid, Erdogan stressed that continued deliveries are vital. He urged for an end to the genocide and deliberate starvation in Gaza by involving both Germany's Red Cross and the Turkish Red Crescent.