Turkish President Erdogan calls on US to not side with Israel on Gaza, Lebanon

By Anadolu staff

NEW YORK (AA) – Türkiye’s president on Tuesday urged the US to take a stance against Israel, calling on Washington to position itself in opposition to rather than supporting Israel’s attacks on Gaza and Lebanon.

"The US must clearly state its stance here and take its place opposing Israel, not at its side,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters after his address to the UN General Assembly.

The US has repeatedly faced criticism for its support for Israel over its onslaught on Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.

During his address, Erdogan urged the international community to stop Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as it did generations ago with Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler.

"Israel's attitude has once again shown that it is essential for the international community to develop a protection mechanism for Palestinian civilians," Erdogan said in his address.

"Just as Hitler was stopped by the alliance of humanity 70 years ago, (now) Netanyahu and his murder network must be stopped by the alliance of humanity."

Asked about the messages in his UN speech, Erdogan stressed that he stands by his words.

He also reiterated that Türkiye does not approve of gender neutralization, instead urging collective action to "embrace the sacred family structure."

Erdogan also said there has been "no progress" with the US on Türkiye rejoining the F-35 fighter jet program, a long-standing thorn in Turkish-US relations.