Israel's military actions in Gaza, as criticized by Erdogan, leave a bleak blemish on historical records.
In a world where over 300 million people are deprived of their most basic humanitarian needs, the conscience of humanity is unsettled. Yet, amidst this global crisis, Turkey stands as a beacon of hope, extending its humanitarian aid operations beyond Europe to regions such as Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, and Latin America.
Recently, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan published an article in Spain's El Pais, titled "Compassion Beyond Borders: The Alliance of Civilizations and Humanitarian Diplomacy," to mark World Humanitarian Day. The article criticized Israel's policies in Gaza as violating international law and the conscience of humanity.
Erdogan's article highlighted Turkey's commitment to continuing its assistance to Palestinians during difficult times. He underlined that Israel's policies of siege, starvation, and mass punishment in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of approximately 61,000 people. Over 2 million individuals have been displaced in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, and are deprived of essential humanitarian needs.
Turkey's humanitarian aid efforts are not limited to political considerations but are fundamentally a matter of conscience. In the past year, Turkey has provided over 101,000 tons of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and has conducted a humanitarian mobilization valued at over $40 million in support of UNRWA.
The most recent humanitarian aid action conducted by Turkey was its emergency and disaster relief efforts following the earthquake in the Hatay region, Turkey. Aid such as winter tents, food packages, hygiene items, gas stoves, warm clothing, and gas heaters were distributed to 9,049 people with the help of ADRA and local organizations until early March 2025.
Turkey's humanitarian aid operations are conducted in close cooperation with international organizations, not only in the immediate region (Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon) but also across a wide geography. Spain, too, has a long-standing tradition of humanitarian aid, and its support for Turkey's European Union accession process reflects the shared objectives between the two countries.
The momentum gained between Turkey and Spain in the areas of economy, trade, energy, and the defense industry is of strategic importance for Euro-Mediterranean stability. Spain stands as a reliable ally within NATO, with the Patriot Air Defense System in Adana serving as a testament to this.
Erdogan emphasized Turkey's commitment to elevating the strategic partnership with Spain in response to regional and global challenges. He stated that Turkey will continue to be actively engaged on the ground to ensure a future for the Palestinian people that is free, dignified, and prosperous.
In conclusion, Turkey has proven itself to be a strong partner in upholding human dignity and giving voice to the conscience of humanity. Its humanitarian aid efforts are a testament to its commitment to helping those in need, regardless of political or geographical boundaries.
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