Erdogan: Lebanon, Gaza not ‘Israel’s’ Targets, Entire Region Is

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Turkey was closely monitoring the Israeli occupation’s actions towards his country, Turkish news agency Anadolu said on Saturday.

Erdogan emphasized that Turkey “cannot ignore Israeli aggression” and accused the occupation of destabilizing not only Palestine and Lebanon but also seeking to expand the aggression throughout the region.

“The genocide in Gaza is happening before everyone’s eyes and has taken its place in the shameful pages of human history,” Erdogan stressed. The remarks were accompanied by a video prepared to mark the first anniversary of the Israeli occupation’s genocide in Gaza.

Erdogan further warned that the occupation would inevitably “pay the price for this ongoing genocide in Gaza, sooner or later.” He noted that those dying in Gaza, parts of Palestine, and Lebanon are not just women, children, and innocent civilians but also represent the death of “humanity and the international order.”

The Turkish president expressed his belief that the world, by failing to hold those responsible for the massacres in Gaza accountable, will never find peace. He drew a historical parallel, stating that just as humanity united to stop Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his deadly network” will be stopped in the same way.

Erdogan vowed that Turkey would “continue to stand against the Israeli government” and urged the world to stand on the right side of history.

Earlier in the week, the Turkish President reiterated that his country would oppose the Israeli government, regardless of the cost, calling on the international community to join Turkey in this honorable stance.

Days earlier, Erdogan had issued a stern warning to the Israeli occupation regarding its ground invasion of Lebanon, stating that “the consequences will not be the same as previous occupation operations” and reaffirmed that “Israel” would be “stopped, no matter what it does.”

‘Israel’ will pay the price

Erdogan, speaking on the anniversary of the Gaza genocide, underlined that the occupation would face consequences for the genocide it is committing in Gaza. He remembered the tens of thousands killed by the Israeli occupation government since October 7 and extended his condolences to the grieving families in Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon.
 
He called for an end to “Israel’s” long-standing policies of genocide, occupation, and invasion.
 
Turkey has not only criticized “Israel” verbally but also taken diplomatic measures, advocating for Palestinian rights in international forums. Economic actions, such as calls for boycotts of Israeli goods, have further demonstrated Turkey’s stance.

Turkey’s relationship with “Israel” has been fraught with tension, especially under Erdogan, who has consistently condemned the Israeli aggression on Gaza as genocide

In April 2024, Turkey implemented targeted trade restrictions against “Israel”, which included limiting specific imports and exports. The situation escalated further when Turkey announced a complete trade ban in May, insisting that it would remain until a ceasefire and humanitarian aid were established.
 
Despite the trade ban, there are indications that some economic interactions might continue, such as the ongoing supply of Azerbaijani oil to “Israel” through Turkey.