Erdoğan: What is happening in Gaza is a complete genocide

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave an interview to the American Fox News channel while in New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly. Erdoğan addressed a wide range of topics, from international politics to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, from Türkiye's position in the defense industry to its relations with the United States.

Appearing on Bret Baier's program, Erdoğan stated that the events in Gaza constitute genocide. When the host asked, "Do you consider what's happening in Gaza genocide?", he replied, "There's no other way to explain it. This is pure genocide. The perpetrator of this genocide is Netanyahu." Emphasizing that Netanyahu has massacred tens of thousands of people, Erdoğan said Türkiye stands against this genocide. Noting that there are more than 125,000 wounded in Gaza, Erdoğan also stated that many wounded have been brought to Türkiye for treatment.

When asked about the release of Hamas prisoners, Erdoğan said that this situation could not be blamed solely on Hamas, adding that it would be wrong to ignore Netanyahu's actions. Noting that Israel brutally attacks women, children, and the elderly in Gaza, Erdoğan said Hamas' military might is incomparable to Israel.

Regarding ending the Gaza war, he said, "Trump said he would end the Russia-Ukraine war, is it over? No. Similarly, he said he would end the Gaza war. Is it over? No." Erdoğan stated that he did not consider Hamas a terrorist organization, but rather that he viewed it as a resistance organization.

Addressing his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, Erdoğan stated that Turkey's F-35 process would be on the agenda. Recalling that Turkey is a partner and manufacturer of the F-35 program, Erdoğan stated that despite Turkey's $1.4 billion payment, the aircraft have not been delivered. He described the failure to deliver the already paid aircraft as "not in line with a strategic partnership" and a "wrong step." He also noted that the latest situation regarding both the F-35 and F-16s would be discussed during the meeting with Trump.

Stating that trade between the two countries will develop, Erdoğan said that relations will further advance, especially in the fields of defense industry, industry and technology.

Erdoğan also touched on the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that Türkiye has important relations with both countries. "We would never have wanted a war," Erdoğan said, adding that the war has caused heavy losses for both sides. Erdoğan stated that he doesn't think the war will end anytime soon, and that NATO could adopt a peace model similar to Türkiye's. He emphasized that Ukraine would find it difficult to sustain the war financially, and that Europe cannot provide economic support indefinitely.

Recalling that Turkey, as a NATO member, had not been admitted to the European Union for over 50 years, Erdoğan stated that this was an unfair approach.

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