Türkiye Condemns Israel’s Policies as Gaza Faces Famine

CitizenSom | Mogadishu | 23 August 2025

Türkiye has condemned Israel over what it calls the “genocidal policies” of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, linking them directly to the famine now gripping the Gaza Strip.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited the latest UN-backed **Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)** report, which confirmed that famine has taken hold in Gaza. The report—echoed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres—warns of an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe with millions facing starvation.

“The famine in Gaza has once again demonstrated the gravity of the humanitarian catastrophe resulting from the genocidal policies pursued by the Netanyahu government against the Palestinian people,” the statement read.

Gaza’s Descent into Hunger

The warning comes as Gaza enters its eleventh month of war. Israel’s ground invasion and near-daily bombardments, launched in October 2023 after Hamas’s surprise attacks, have reduced vast swathes of the territory to rubble. Gaza’s already fragile infrastructure has collapsed: bakeries have stopped operating, clean water is scarce, and hospitals are overwhelmed or destroyed.

The IPC report estimates that more than half of Gaza’s population is now facing “catastrophic” food insecurity. Aid agencies say children are dying of hunger-related causes, while many families survive on grass, animal feed, or a single meal every two days. The UN has described the situation as “man-made famine.”

Türkiye’s Call for Action

Ankara accused Israel of acting recklessly, emboldened by what it described as international silence over repeated violations of international law.

“Israel is encouraged and rendered reckless by the impunity it has so far enjoyed for its war crimes and violations of international law,” the ministry said.

Türkiye called for an immediate ceasefire, accountability for Israeli leaders before international courts, and the opening of uninterrupted humanitarian corridors.

“These are among the most fundamental obligations of international law and of humanity,” the statement added.

International Repercussions

Türkiye’s sharp rebuke comes at a time when international pressure is mounting on Israel, but diplomatic efforts remain stalled. The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has resisted calls for sanctions, instead pushing for limited humanitarian pauses. Meanwhile, Arab and Muslim-majority states—including Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt—are calling for stronger measures through the UN Security Council and the International Criminal Court.

For Ankara, the Gaza war has become both a humanitarian and political issue. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly framed Türkiye as a defender of the Palestinian cause, while also positioning himself as a regional mediator. Analysts say Türkiye’s growing criticism reflects both genuine concern for Gaza and its wider ambition to reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics.

A War Without End

As the conflict grinds on, the humanitarian toll continues to deepen. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, according to Gaza health authorities. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, and more than 2 million people are displaced within the besieged strip.

Yet despite the growing humanitarian outcry, Israeli officials maintain that military operations will continue until Hamas is dismantled. This uncompromising stance has left little room for ceasefire talks, prolonging Gaza’s suffering and fueling fears of wider regional instability.

Türkiye’s statement closed with a pledge of solidarity:

“Türkiye remains committed to extending its unwavering support to the just cause of the Palestinian people.”