Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Calls for Urgent Muslim Unity in Face of Israeli Aggression
On June 20, 2025, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a compelling speech at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Youth Forum held at Halic University Congress Hall in Istanbul, Türkiye. His address came amid escalating violence in the region, particularly following Israel’s June 13 attacks on Iran and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Erdogan urged the Muslim world to rise above internal divisions and act collectively against oppression, framing unity not just as a necessity, but as a religious duty.
“In these trying times, Muslims must set aside their differences. Unity is not optional it is an obligation,” he stated firmly.
Referring to the devastating toll of Israeli strikes, Erdogan noted that 76 Palestinians had recently been killed, including 54 at aid distribution points. He cautioned that silence in the face of such violence equates to complicity.
“Those who remain silent in the face of oppression are complicit in the crimes. We must leave behind the seeds of discord and unite in true solidarity.”
Erdogan criticized the lack of cohesion in the Muslim world, despite its vast population, wealth of natural resources, and strong defense industries.
“The greatest weakness of the Islamic world is disunity. Like dough without yeast, we cannot rise without solidarity. Our potential is vast but we fall short because we are divided.”
He passionately called on Muslim communities to overcome rivalry and hostility:
“We will not be divided. We will not turn against one another. We will tear down the walls built between us. We will love one another sincerely, for the sake of Allah, and stand as true companions.
President Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s readiness to back any genuine initiative aimed at peace and cohesion in the Muslim world:Türkiye is fully prepared to support every sincere step taken toward unity and peace.
Erdogan also lashed out at Israeli double standards, responding to an Israeli minister’s complaints about Iranian hospitals being struck. He labeled the statements as hypocritical and brazen.
“Israel has no moral ground to speak of hospital attacks. They have bombed over 700 hospitals, destroyed 35 completely, killed nearly 1,000 healthcare workers, and decimated 94% of Gaza’s health system. Their claims about the laws of war are shameless.”
He highlighted the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza, where hunger, violence, and destroyed infrastructure have left millions suffering.Reiterating Türkiye’s unwavering stance, Erdogan declared:
“Today, we say Free Palestine with one voice.”
He mourned the loss of more than 55,000 Palestinian lives and warned that the conflict between Israel and Iran threatens to spiral into a broader regional disaster affecting both Europe and Asia.
