In a powerful address at the OIC Summit in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a sharp critique of Israel’s recent actions in the Middle East, particularly its attacks on Iran and its continued aggression in Gaza and the West Bank. Speaking from a place of urgency and regional responsibility, Erdoğan made it clear that Turkey would not stand by as war, chaos, and injustice spread across the Muslim world.
He stated:
“Measures taken by Iran to defend its people in the face of the state terrorism of Israel within the framework of self-defense are quite natural, legitimate, and legal… What we are seeing day by day is that these aggressive actions, which violate international law, serve Israel’s policy of strategic destabilization in the region.”
Criticism of Israel’s Nuclear Hypocrisy
Erdoğan highlighted the timing of Israel’s June 13 attacks—noting that they coincided with critical moments in Iran’s nuclear negotiations. He accused Israel of trying to sabotage diplomacy and drew attention to the double standards of the global community:
“Israel is not subject to any control or audit for its nuclear activities… It is great hypocrisy for them to criticize countries who are party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty while themselves operating in secrecy.”
He directly blamed Netanyahu’s government for working against peace:
“The Netanyahu government actually aimed to undermine the negotiation process… Instead of living peacefully with a geographically integrated Palestinian state, Israel is trying to spread war across the region.”
Warning of a Regional Disaster
Drawing historical parallels, Erdoğan warned that Israel’s current path resembles Hitler’s early spark that engulfed the world in fire:
“Just like the spark ignited by Hitler 90 years ago set the world on fire, Netanyahu’s Zionist ambitions seek to drag our region into disaster… Israel cannot ensure its security by threatening its neighbors.”
He warned against redrawing borders through violence:
“Turkey will not allow a new Sykes-Picot order… We will not sit back and watch Gaza punished with hunger, settler terrorism in the West Bank, or attempts to destroy Al-Aqsa Mosque’s status.”
Call for International Action and Two-State Solution
In a direct appeal to the world, Erdoğan said:
“I once again appeal to the international community, especially those with influence over Israel… Our region cannot afford another war or instability.”
He reaffirmed Turkey’s readiness to mediate:
“We are ready to do whatever falls on us. We’ve been working for calm since June 13, and we will continue contacts patiently until we get results.”
Reemphasizing the urgency of a diplomatic resolution, he stressed:
“The two-state solution is more vital than ever. We must encourage more countries to recognize Palestine and take coordinated coercive measures against Israel under international law.”
He also expressed hope for the postponed international conference on Palestine, originally planned under Saudi Arabia’s leadership in New York, to be rescheduled soon.
Unity Over Differences
Concluding his speech with a reflection on unity in the Muslim world, Erdoğan said:
“Like siblings, we may have differences of opinion, but we share a common destiny. The fate of Istanbul is tied to that of Damascus, Baghdad, Cairo, Sana’a—and Islamabad.”
His remarks were a resounding call for Muslim unity, diplomacy over war, and a strategic push to restore justice and stability in the region.
