SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Tuesday the Palestinian cause has become "a global issue," pointing to growing recognition of Palestine and widespread public support.
Speaking at the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York, he said, "In Europe, in Asia, in the Americas, in Africa, we are witnessing people chanting 'Free Palestine' on streets, on social media, or in the press more than ever before now."
Erdoğan praised the recent recognition of Palestine by several countries, including some members of the UN Security Council, calling those acknowledgments "extremely significant and historic steps."
France formally recognized the State of Palestine on September 22, joining nations such as Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. About eighty percent of UN member states now recognize Palestine.
The Turkish president urged that recognition be followed by action: ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. "We wish we could see President Abbas of Palestine among us here today. Nevertheless, I find it extremely valuable that all the participants speaking today are also serving as the voice of the Palestinian people," he said.
The speech came as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel -- killing about 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostages -- Israel has responded with sustained air, sea, and ground operations in the Gaza Strip. More than sixty-five thousand Palestinians have reportedly died, many civilians, and large swaths of Gaza have been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. Displacement is widespread; famine and shortages of necessities have been widely reported. Clinics, hospitals, water, and electricity systems have been damaged.
In recent weeks, Israeli forces have intensified ground operations in Gaza City. On September 20, at least sixty Palestinians were killed in assaults on underground shafts and booby-trapped tunnels, according to health authorities in Gaza. Displaced civilians are said to be caught in the crossfire, with housing blocks destroyed and limited safe routes remaining. Two hospitals have stopped operations due to nearby bombings and extensive damage, while aid access has become increasingly difficult. These new phases of the offensive deepen concerns for civilian safety.
Israel has strongly opposed the latest wave of recognition, arguing that such moves reward terror and undermine its security. Israeli leaders have warned of diplomatic and legal responses, including maintaining or expanding settlement activity. Some countries that have not recognized Palestine remain cautious, tying recognition to commitments to non-violence and political reform.
Erdoğan said the worldwide showing of support reflects a shift in public opinion that cannot be ignored. "Participation in this hall is the most important proof of this," he said.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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