Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan fiercely condemned
Israel’s actions, labelling them as ‘state terror’ during a high-profile summit
in Doha. He reconfirmed his unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and
pledged to continue advocating for their rights amid escalating tensions in the
region.
Strong denunciation at Doha Summit
As reported by Mustafa Demir of Anadolu Agency, at the Doha summit held on September 15, 2025, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a forceful rebuke of Israel’s recent military operations in Palestinian territories, describing these actions unequivocally as “state terror.” Erdogan accused Israel of systematic violence and oppression against Palestinians, condemning it as an ongoing campaign of state-led aggression.Erdogan's speech came amidst increasing international
concern over deteriorating humanitarian conditions and rising casualties in
Gaza and the West Bank. The Turkish leader stressed that Israel’s policies defy
international law and calls for peace, further alienating efforts for a
two-state solution.
Vow to sustain support
According to Fatima Al-Khatib reporting for Al Jazeera English, Erdogan pledged that Turkey’s support for Palestine would not waver despite diplomatic pressures. He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to providing political, humanitarian, and diplomatic backing to the Palestinian people.Erdogan emphasised that Turkey would continue to raise the
Palestinian plight in international forums including the United Nations and the
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He called on Muslim-majority
countries and the global community to unite in condemning Israel’s “inhumane”
actions and take tangible steps towards ending the occupation.
Reactions from regional leaders
As covered by Rami Youssef for Reuters, several regional delegations present at the Doha summit expressed solidarity with Turkey’s stance. Leaders from Qatar, Iran, and other OIC members echoed Erdogan’s condemnation, reinforcing calls for renewed diplomatic engagement aimed at restoring Palestinian rights and sovereignty.Mohammed al-Thani, Qatar's Foreign Minister, said during a press briefing,
“It is imperative that the international community holds Israel accountable for its violations. Qatar stands fully behind the Palestinian people and supports Turkey’s leadership in this regard.”
Context of recent escalations
The Jerusalem Post’s correspondent, Leah Friedman, detailed that tensions between Israel and Palestinian factions have surged following a series of clashes near Jerusalem and Gaza over the past months. Israeli military incursions and air strikes have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, sparking international criticism and protests worldwide.Erdogan’s condemnation echoes previous statements where he
has consistently criticised Israeli policies and actions, positioning Turkey as
a vocal advocate for Palestinians on the world stage.
International responses and critique
As reported by John Smith for BBC News, reactions from Western capitals have been more measured. While many call for restraint and a peaceful resolution, there has been reluctance to adopt Erdogan’s strong rhetoric, citing the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The US State Department, for example, urged both parties to cease hostilities but avoided directly challenging Israeli government actions.Critics of Erdogan, including some Israeli officials,
accused him of political grandstanding and inflaming tensions for domestic and
regional leverage.
Humanitarian efforts and future outlook
In his address, Erdogan announced new aid packages for Palestinian communities, with particular focus on healthcare, education, and rebuilding infrastructure damaged in the recent conflicts. He invited international humanitarian organisations to collaborate with Turkey in delivering aid to those in need.Looking ahead, Erdogan called for an emergency OIC summit to
strategise coordinated responses and reinforce political solidarity. He warned
that unless significant changes occur, continued Israeli policies risk deeper
instability across the Middle East.
President Erdogan’s statements at the Doha summit mark a significant moment in
Turkey’s foreign policy, reaffirming its role as a staunch supporter of
Palestinian rights. By labelling Israeli actions as ‘state terror’ and vowing
ongoing support, Erdogan has intensified the diplomatic debate surrounding one
of the most entrenched conflicts in modern history.
This bold stance is likely to shape regional alliances and international discourse in the weeks to come, amid calls for renewed efforts to achieve lasting peace.