Erdoğan: Global response to violence against women in Gaza inadequate

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared on Tuesday that the international community has failed to adequately respond to the brutality faced by women in Gaza. Speaking at an event in Ankara commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Erdoğan asserted that global reactions to violence are inconsistently applied based on the identities of those involved.

Critique of International Double Standards

"The identities of the perpetrator and the victim have once again determined the tone of the response," President Erdoğan stated, suggesting that geopolitical considerations rather than humanitarian principles guide international reactions to violence against women. He specifically referenced the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where he said women have borne a disproportionate share of the suffering during military operations.

Gaza Casualty Statistics

The Turkish president provided specific figures to support his argument, noting that "Two-thirds of the 70,000 Palestinians martyred in the Gaza genocide were, unfortunately, women and children." He characterized these numbers as "alarming for those with a conscience" and indicative of a broader pattern of violence disproportionately affecting women in conflict zones where Western powers show reluctance to intervene.

Commitment to Advocacy

President Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye's position as a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, stating, "We will defend what is right regardless of the identity of the oppressor or the oppressed, and we will voice the truth loudly on every platform." His remarks emphasized Türkiye's ongoing diplomatic efforts to draw attention to civilian casualties in Gaza and challenge what he perceives as selective outrage in international forums.