Erdoğan: Gaza is genocide enabled by global order, calls for open Hormuz, dialogue over weapons
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared that Gaza is "not just a humanitarian tragedy, but a genocide that clearly shows what the current global order allows." He called for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping, reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to dialogue over weapons, and expressed readiness to facilitate Russia-Ukraine talks.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a series of declarations on Saturday, stating that Gaza is "not just a humanitarian tragedy, but a genocide that clearly shows what the current global order allows." He questioned trust in the global system, citing failures in Syria, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
Strait of Hormuz and freedom of navigation
Erdoğan said Gulf states' access to open seas must not be restricted, emphasizing that the "priority is to ensure freedom of navigation based on established rules" and to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping. The strait has been largely closed since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on Feb. 28, disrupting global energy supplies.
Dialogue over weapons
"No matter how deep disputes may be, we must not allow weapons to replace dialogue, or deadly conflict to replace negotiations," Erdoğan said. He added that strengthening peace, stability, and normalization in neighboring Syria is vital for the future of the region.
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Ukraine mediation
Erdoğan said Türkiye is ready to support the facilitation of direct Russia-Ukraine talks, including a possible leaders' summit, if parties are willing to do so. Türkiye previously brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative in 2022 and has consistently called for a diplomatic resolution to the war.
EU membership and regional stability
Erdoğan said Türkiye maintains its EU membership goal and expects the bloc to overcome its direction crisis and stay true to its founders' vision. He also said Türkiye seeks the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean as zones of stability, rejecting unilateral moves excluding Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Foreign policy and energy cooperation
Erdoğan concluded that Türkiye is pursuing a peaceful foreign policy across regions while strengthening alliances, and that Türkiye is open to cooperation with neighbors on energy and connectivity projects.
Ceasefire context
The statements come amid a two-week US-Iran ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, and a separate 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire that took effect Friday. Erdoğan has previously praised Pakistan's mediation efforts and called for a new regional security architecture.
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