Erdogan Says Israeli Death Penalty Law for Palestinians Similar to Nazi Policies
Islamabad: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has strongly criticized a recent Israeli parliamentary decision regarding the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners, saying it is not different from the policies once implemented by Adolf Hitler against Jews.
Speaking at a public event, Erdoğan said the move reflects a system in Israel that is even worse than apartheid policies previously seen in South Africa. He questioned whether there is any fundamental difference between Nazi-era policies and the newly approved Israeli legislation, which he said targets Palestinians collectively.
The Turkish president further stated that limiting the death penalty specifically to Palestinians amounts to racial discrimination and reflects a broader policy of oppression.
He added that the Middle East has been going through a “painful and dark period” marked by continuous conflicts, with civilians—especially women and children—bearing the greatest suffering.
Referring to ongoing regional conflicts, Erdoğan said that tens of thousands of civilians in Palestine have been killed in Gaza, the majority of them women and children, according to his statement.
He also referred to conflicts in neighboring countries including Syria, Iran, and Lebanon, saying that civilians continue to suffer heavily in these wars, particularly children.
Erdoğan claimed that large numbers of Lebanese civilians have been displaced due to ongoing military operations and that thousands have been killed or injured. He further stated that even during ceasefire periods, violence has continued, resulting in civilian casualties.
He described the situation as part of what he called a “network of destruction” driven by conflict, urging the international community to take notice of the humanitarian crisis.
