Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged countries around the world to formally recognise Palestine as an independent state. His call comes at a time when more nations are debating the issue, and when the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to dominate global headlines.
Erdogan’s Message
Speaking at a public event, Erdogan said that recognition of Palestine is not just a political choice but a moral duty. He argued that Palestinians have the right to live freely in their own state, with Jerusalem as its capital. “The road to peace in the Middle East passes through justice for the Palestinian people,” Erdogan declared.
He also criticised countries that, in his view, ignore the suffering of Palestinians or continue to support Israel without conditions. Erdogan insisted that the world must act together, saying: “Every state that values human rights should recognise Palestine.”
Growing Global Movement
Erdogan’s comments follow a wave of recognitions in recent months. Countries such as Ireland, Spain, and Norway have already taken the step of formally recognising Palestine. Their leaders argued that recognition supports the two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine exist side by side in peace.
By adding his voice, Erdogan hopes to push more countries—especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America—to join the growing list. Already, over 140 United Nations member states recognise Palestine. However, many Western powers, including the United States, Germany, and France, have not yet done so.
Reaction in Palestine
Palestinian leaders welcomed Erdogan’s statement, calling him a strong ally of their cause. They said Turkey’s support gives them hope at a time when negotiations with Israel remain stalled and living conditions in Gaza and the West Bank continue to worsen.
For ordinary Palestinians, recognition by more countries brings a sense of legitimacy. It shows that their struggle for freedom and independence is not forgotten by the international community.
Israel’s Response
Israel reacted negatively to Erdogan’s appeal. Officials said that recognition of Palestine outside of direct negotiations undermines the peace process. They argue that recognition rewards Palestinian leadership while ignoring Israel’s security concerns, including rocket attacks from Hamas in Gaza.
Israeli leaders have also accused Erdogan of being biased, pointing to Turkey’s long history of vocal support for the Palestinian cause.
Why It Matters
The debate over recognition highlights the divisions in global diplomacy. For supporters, recognising Palestine is about justice, human rights, and giving hope to millions of people who have lived under occupation for decades. For critics, it is seen as premature and risky, because it bypasses peace talks and could harden positions on both sides.
Erdogan’s call adds more weight to the international push, showing that the issue is not going away. His words also underline Turkey’s ambition to play a bigger role in the Middle East and in global politics.
Conclusion
Turkey’s President Erdogan has once again placed Palestine at the centre of international debate by calling on countries to recognise it as a state. His message highlights growing frustration with the lack of peace progress and reflects a wider global shift. While recognition alone does not end the conflict, Erdogan’s call puts more pressure on world leaders to act and keeps the dream of Palestinian statehood alive.