Erdogan Condemns Gaza "Genocide," Touts Turkish Defense Boom at International Fair
Istanbul, Turkey (July 22, 2025) –Speaking at the opening of the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a fiery address sharply condemning the situation in Gaza while simultaneously highlighting Turkey's dramatic rise as a global defense exporter.
Gaza: A Core of Humanitarian Outrage
Erdogan's most impassioned remarks focused squarely on Gaza:
"We are going through a process where power balances are being redefined, global centers of gravity are shifting, and international competition is intensifying," he began, setting a backdrop of global instability.
He asserted that the suffering of Gaza's children, starved "skin and bones" due to blocked aid, "is our pain."
In his strongest condemnation, Erdogan accused Israel of committing "a genocide surpassing the Nazis by far," vowing to keep this allegation "on the agenda of all humanity."
"Our goal is the immediate establishment of a ceasefire. Allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza is another priority for us," he stated clearly.
Addressing the international community, Erdogan declared, "Whoever remains silent to the genocide in Gaza becomes a partner to Israel's crimes against humanity." He described daily deaths from hunger and thirst as an atrocity "no one possessing even a grain of human dignity can accept."
Calling for global unity, he urged: "I invite the entire international community to unite on the side of humanity in these dark days when mass deaths from hunger have begun... Let's react to this cruelty together. Let's say 'Enough is Enough' to this oppression, this savagery."
Turkish Defense Industry: From Embargoes to Export Leader
Shifting focus to the fair's purpose, Erdogan showcased Turkey's remarkable transformation in defense:
"Turkey, which was subjected to embargoes, double standards, and diplomatic pressures yesterday, has now reached a position where it leaves its mark on world markets with its defense industry products," he proclaimed.
He announced a milestone achievement: "The localization rate of our defense industry has now risen above 80%."
Highlighting booming exports, Erdogan revealed: "Our exports in the defense and aerospace sector in 2024 increased by 29% to reach $7.154 billion, setting a new record."
Providing a more recent snapshot, he added: "Our exports in June 2025 increased by 10.4% compared to the same month the previous year, reaching $623 million." (Source: Turkish Exporters Assembly)
International Reaction & Commentary
Western Media Outlets: Major Western news agencies (AP, Reuters) reported Erdogan's speech, prominently featuring his stark "genocide surpassing the Nazis" characterization regarding Gaza and Israel's strong rejection of the label. They noted the speech's timing at a major arms fair adds a layer of geopolitical complexity.
Middle Eastern Perspectives: Media in the region (Al Jazeera, Arab News) focused heavily on Erdogan's Gaza condemnation, portraying it as a strong stance against Israel and in support of Palestinians. His call for international unity on humanitarian grounds resonated strongly here.
Defense Analysts: Industry publications (Janes, Defense News) concentrated on the Turkish defense export figures, emphasizing the significance of the 80% localization rate and the sustained export growth. Analysts see this as proof of Turkey's successful push for strategic autonomy, particularly after facing embargoes like the CAATSA sanctions over the S-400 purchase.
Diplomatic Channels: Israel's Foreign Ministry issued a swift and forceful condemnation of Erdogan's "genocide" remarks, calling them "libelous and antisemitic," and accused him of ignoring Hamas's actions. The UN and OIC reiterated calls for unimpeded humanitarian access and a ceasefire, aligning with Erdogan's stated goals but avoiding his specific terminology.
Analysis:
President Erdogan's IDEF speech masterfully intertwined two core narratives of contemporary Turkish foreign and domestic policy. Firstly, he positioned Turkey as a leading, uncompromising voice against Israel's actions in Gaza, using stark, historically charged language ("genocide surpassing the Nazis") guaranteed to garner strong reactions globally and resonate deeply within the Muslim world and domestic audiences. This reinforces Turkey's claim to leadership on the Palestinian issue.
Secondly, he showcased the undeniable success story of Turkey's defense industry. The statistics – 80% localization and booming exports despite past sanctions – are powerful evidence of a strategic national achievement. Presenting this at IDEF, surrounded by Turkish-made advanced weaponry (drones, ships, armored vehicles), underlined the message: Turkey is now a significant, independent player in the global defense market, no longer reliant on others. The juxtaposition of condemning the violence in Gaza while celebrating a thriving arms industry is not lost on observers, highlighting the complex realities of geopolitics and national security strategy. The speech served both to rally support for the Palestinian cause and to solidify national pride in a key industrial sector.
