Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labeled the ongoing conflict in Gaza as “genocide” on Thursday, urging the international community to push for a permanent ceasefire. His remarks came during a visit to Albania, where he met with Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Erdogan, a long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause, criticized Israel during a joint press conference. “The international community must do our best to urgently guarantee a permanent ceasefire and exert the necessary pressure on Israel,” he stated. He emphasized that the ongoing violence in Gaza represents “the common shame of all humanity.”
The recent escalation in violence followed a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians. The health ministry in Gaza reported that since the start of the conflict, approximately 42,065 individuals have lost their lives, with the majority being civilians, a figure the UN has deemed credible.
Erdogan has previously characterized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the “butcher of Gaza,” comparing him to Adolf Hitler. He expressed concern that the actions of the Netanyahu government are destabilizing not only the region but also the global order.
Erdogan attended the inauguration of the Great Mosque of Tirana, the largest Muslim place of worship in the Balkans, funded by Turkey. He noted that around 600 Turkish companies operate in Albania, employing over 15,000 people. Erdogan highlighted that Turkey is one of Albania’s five largest foreign investors, with $3.5 billion committed to various projects.
Erdogan’s trip will continue to Serbia, where he aims to bolster ties with a nation historically linked to the Ottoman Empire. This visit follows a diplomatic revival initiated during his landmark trip to Belgrade in 2017, which helped mend relations that had been strained due to Turkey’s support for Kosovo’s independence.
While tensions still exist—particularly following Turkey’s sale of drones to Kosovo last year—analysts anticipate discussions in Belgrade will focus on military cooperation and economic collaboration.
Overall, Erdogan’s Balkan tour reflects Turkey’s strategic interests in a region that has long been shaped by its historical influence.
