President Erdoğan says Turkish Red Crescent delivered over 26,000 tonnes of aid to Gaza and denounces Israel

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) Awards ceremony in Ankara, marking the organisation’s 158th anniversary. He praised Kızılay as a source of national pride and highlighted its historic role in past conflicts and the 2023 earthquake response.

Erdoğan announced that Kızılay has sent more than 26,000 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to Gaza, provided 15 million hot meals since 7 October, distributes about 30,000 hot meals daily, and organised a sacrificial‑animal campaign delivering 22,757 shares for Gaza. He also mentioned child‑focused projects, psychosocial support and health‑needs assessments carried out by Kızılay’s Gaza office.

The president sharply criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing Israel as a “fitna factory” and warning that those who follow Hitler’s path will meet the same fate. Erdoğan said Turkey will continue to extend humanitarian help while urging accountability for the violence in Gaza.