Erdogan: World Action Needed to Stop Netanyahu, Like It Did with Hitler
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged the international community to intervene and stop Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, drawing a comparison to Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler in a speech at the United Nations on Tuesday.
"Just as Hitler was stopped by the alliance of humanity 70 years ago, Netanyahu and his murder network must be stopped by the alliance of humanity," Erdogan stated.
Before his address, he welcomed Palestine's representative at the UN, describing it as a long-overdue achievement. He expressed hope that this step would lead to full UN membership for Palestine, urging other states to recognize Palestine and join "the right side of history."
Erdogan emphasized that Turkey, geographically close to the conflict, is at its "epicenter" and reiterated Turkey's stance on speaking out despite possible criticism.
He also criticized the UN, stating that the organization is becoming increasingly ineffective, and said, "International peace and security are too important to be left to the arbitrariness of the privileged five." Erdogan has long advocated for reforms in the UN Security Council, arguing for more representative membership under the slogan "The world is bigger than five."
Referring to the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza, Erdogan highlighted the humanitarian crisis, saying that over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since last October, including more than 17,000 children. He also noted the deaths of over 210 UN personnel and numerous humanitarian workers.
Erdogan condemned Israel’s criminal acts, likening Gaza to "the world’s largest cemetery for children and women." He argued that not only are children dying in Gaza, but also are "the UN system, the truth, and the values the West claims to uphold."
He urged the UN Security Council to intervene in genocide and criticized countries for "unconditional" support of Israel, saying they were complicit in the ongoing genocidal war. Erdogan further stated that "the international community has given a very bad account of itself" in its response to the situation in Palestine.
Calling for an immediate ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, Erdogan asserted that Turkey would continue its humanitarian efforts in Gaza. He also expressed Turkey's support for a lawsuit filed by South Africa at the International Court of Justice to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes.
Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s position in favor of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, with East Al-Quds as its capital.