Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has intensified his criticism of Israel and an “occupying Zionist mindset,” calling for an international order based on justice rather than military power.

Speaking at the MÜSİAD EXPO International Trade Fair and the 29th International Business Forum in Istanbul, Erdoğan said Türkiye would continue to defend civilians affected by war and occupation, with Palestine remaining at the center of Ankara’s regional diplomacy.

“We will continue to cry out the truth and be the voice of the innocent and victims to the best of our ability,” Erdoğan said.

He criticized a growing “might makes right” mentality in international affairs, arguing that powerful states should not be allowed to impose their will through military force while international institutions fail to protect civilians.

Erdoğan said the same problem was evident in conflicts and crises across Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia and Arakan, arguing that solutions disconnected from peace, justice and common sense could not resolve such conflicts.

The strongest part of Erdoğan’s remarks focused on the “occupying Zionist mindset,” which he accused of claiming superiority over other peoples.

“We are determined to unmask the occupying Zionist mindset, which considers itself chosen and superior to all of humanity,” Erdoğan said.

He also accused this mindset of disregarding moral principles and said Türkiye would continue challenging it despite opposition from those responsible for the killing and displacement of civilians in Gaza and Lebanon.

Erdoğan’s remarks reflect Ankara’s increasingly outspoken opposition to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its broader criticism of policies toward Palestinians.

Türkiye has repeatedly called for an end to the violence, greater protection for Palestinian civilians and recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Erdoğan presented the Palestinian issue as part of a wider regional struggle over sovereignty, justice and the right of peoples to determine their own future.

His criticism extended beyond the immediate fighting, focusing on the ideological and political foundations behind the Israeli occupation and the international support that has allowed the conflict to continue.

Ankara has argued that lasting peace cannot be achieved while Palestinian rights remain unresolved and while military power continues to determine political realities on the ground.

Türkiye has also maintained diplomatic engagement with Iran and other regional actors as tensions across the Middle East have intensified.

Erdoğan linked the Palestinian issue to his broader criticism of the existing international system, particularly the structure of the United Nations Security Council.

He has repeatedly argued that the current system allows a small number of powerful states to exert disproportionate influence over decisions affecting the wider international community.

From Ankara’s perspective, the failure to adequately address the Palestinian crisis has exposed wider weaknesses in the international system and demonstrated the need for stronger mechanisms to protect civilians and uphold international law.

The Turkish president’s latest comments reinforce Ankara’s position that the Palestinian issue cannot be separated from questions of occupation, sovereignty and international justice.

His remarks at MÜSİAD EXPO therefore placed the Palestinian cause within a broader call for a transformation of international relations — one in which occupation and coercion are challenged and political solutions are built around equality, sovereignty and the protection of civilians.

Erdoğan said Türkiye would continue raising its voice on these issues, arguing that silence in the face of civilian suffering would allow an unjust international order to become further entrenched. (ILKHA)