Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel's actions in Palestine, saying that Israel's long-term goal is to settle in Gaza and eliminate the Palestinian presence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, ultimately aiming for annexation.

In his speech at the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh on Monday, President Erdogan stated that over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of Israeli attacks, with 70% of the victims being women and children.

He called for coordinated international action to hold those responsible for what he described as genocide in Palestine accountable, urging that differences of opinion should not hinder this shared commitment to justice.

He also voiced strong support for South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and pledged that Turkey would push forward realistic proposals to show the consequences of Israel’s occupation.

Erdogan further called on the global community to support Palestinian statehood, highlighting that nine more countries have recognized the State of Palestine since October 7.

The Turkish president acknowledged the participation of over 90 nations in the recent global alliance meeting in Riyadh, which focused on advancing the two-state solution for Palestine.

Erdogan concluded his address by thanking Saudi Arabia for hosting the summit and expressed his hope that the summit's outcomes would bring about positive changes for the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples.