Erdogan hails Turkish Red Crescent’s humanitarian work in conflict zones

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commended the Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay) on Thursday for its humanitarian work in conflict zones around the world, stating that the organization has left a lasting impression on people in Palestine, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, and Syria. Speaking at the Turkish Red Crescent Awards Ceremony in Ankara, Erdogan highlighted Kizilay’s efforts in Gaza, where it has delivered more than 26,000 tons of humanitarian aid despite ongoing attacks by what he called the “Zionist genocide network led by Netanyahu.”

Aid to Gaza

Erdogan noted that since October 7, Kizilay has provided 15 million hot meals to Palestinians in Gaza and currently distributes hot food to 30,000 people daily. He said Türkiye will continue both its humanitarian support and its efforts to pursue accountability. “Türkiye, while extending a helping hand to the oppressed, will also continue to do everything in its power to ensure that the massacre network is held accountable before the law and history,” he said. He also warned those following the path of Nazi Germany’s leader: “Those who follow in Hitler’s footsteps should not forget that if they continue on this path, their fate will be the same as that of other tyrants in history.”

Israel as ‘factory of provocation’

Erdogan accused Israel of turning into “a factory of provocation whose only raw materials are blood and tears, instability and chaos.” His remarks come as Israel continues military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, despite ceasefires and international pressure. For Türkiye, which has sent multiple aid ships to Gaza and called for a two-state solution, the Red Crescent’s work is a key part of Ankara’s soft power. Turkish aid agencies have also been active in Syria, Somalia, and Afghanistan.