In a televised address following a cabinet meeting, Erdogan said: "We belong to a great nation with a rich history and conscience. For centuries, we have held the hand of the needy, rushed to the aid of those in distress, and opened our doors to those who sought refuge in our country."
He continued: "We pay no attention to the fabrications of the criminal network whose hands are stained with the blood of 73,000 innocent Palestinians in Gaza, most of whom are children and women."
He added: "In our history there is no genocide, no massacres, no injustice, no colonialism. In our glorious history spanning thousands of years there is only justice and mercy."
He continued: "In our history, there is a tradition of extending a helping hand to all the oppressed, regardless of their religion, origins, or identity. There is the virtue of sheltering those fleeing the Inquisition and Nazi persecution."
He continued: "In our history, there is a dignified stand by our heroic ancestors who said: I would give up my throne and my crown, but I would not hand over anyone who sought refuge in my country."
He said: "Those who know this best are the ones who spread lies about Türkiye and its people, in order to cover up their brutality in Gaza."
Venezuela earthquake
Regarding the double earthquake disaster in Venezuela, Erdogan affirmed that Türkiye will dedicate all its resources to supporting the friendly and brotherly Venezuelan people following the disaster.
He noted that Türkiye had urgently sent two military transport planes to the disaster area, and that 75 personnel, 5 search and rescue vehicles, and 6 search and rescue dogs had arrived in Venezuela.
He continued: “We contribute to search and rescue efforts, and we develop the necessary plans to meet priority humanitarian needs in the region in coordination with international mechanisms. We are pleased to see our municipalities also organizing various relief campaigns for the friendly Venezuelan people.”
He added: "I would like to once again extend my sincere condolences to the Venezuelan government and people, and I assure you that the Turkish people stand and will continue to stand by them."
On June 24, Venezuela was struck by a double earthquake, the first measuring 7.2 and the second 7.5, leaving 1,719 dead as of Monday, while search and rescue operations continue in the affected areas.
On the other hand, President Erdogan praised the fact that Turkey’s unemployment rate has remained at a single-digit level for 37 months, during a period when the world is experiencing storms of crises.
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