By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL -On Tuesday, in a statement put out by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the ministry condemned renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, calling them a “massacre” – referring to the Israeli government’s actions as a “genocide policy” that is escalating daily. The ministry said Israel is not only violating international law but also universal values. The strikes killed more than 400 Palestinians on Tuesday and on Tuesday night, Turks were out in droves in Istanbul to show their support for Palestinians by honking in sync from their cars, waving Palestinian and Turkish flags. The ministry statement read in part: “The massacre of hundreds of Palestinians in Israel’s attacks on Gaza this morning demonstrates that the Netanyahu government’s genocide policy has entered a new phase.” The statement added that Israel “defies humanity through its violations of international law and universal values in the gravest way.” Further stating: “At a time when efforts to achieve global peace and stability are intensifying, the aggression displayed by the Israeli government threatens the future of the region. It is unacceptable that Israel is causing a new spiral of violence.”
The Turkish government underscored the need for the international community to make a decisive move against Israel to deter more violence and to guarantee peace in Gaza. The statement also mentioned that humanitarian aid must be delivered – Israel has cut off aid and electricity to Gaza, claiming until Hamas releases all the hostages, airstrikes will continue. Analysts point out, though, that Netanyahu is unpopular in Israel and that by continuing the strikes, he hopes to remain in power by appeasing his far-right constituency. International aid organizations have highlighted how dire the situation is in Gaza with children starving and no humanitarian aid getting through. Those on the ground report that Israel has blocked any medical supplies from getting through and that hospitals are in a dire situation. Meanwhile, Turkiye maintains its solid and unwavering support for the Palestinian people with the government urging continuing efforts to secure a ceasefire, permanent peace and stability in the region. In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry reiterated: “As Türkiye, we reiterate our unwavering support for the rightful cause of the Palestinian people and reaffirm our commitment to contributing to efforts aimed at securing peace and stability in the region.”
