Turkish President Erdoğan Calls Israel's Actions in Gaza 'Ecocide' at UN Climate Summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the COP31 Leaders' Summit in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 11, 2026, where he strongly condemned Israel's actions in Gaza. He described the destruction as not only a genocide but also an "ecocide", highlighting the devastating environmental consequences of the war. Erdoğan emphasized that the destruction of Gaza had extended beyond the massive loss of human lives to the devastation of its environment, including centuries-old olive trees, contaminated soil and water, and entire cities reduced to rubble.

Erdoğan drew attention to the worsening conditions in the besieged Palestinian territory following heavy rainfall and flooding, which submerged tens of thousands of tents and temporary shelters amid widespread destruction of infrastructure. He expressed concern for the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, particularly innocent children, who were struggling to survive in the water under winter conditions, often without their parents. The Turkish president stressed that those who had witnessed or were aware of the situation could not evade responsibility.

Erdoğan called for the immediate delivery of humanitarian assistance, an end to Gaza's isolation, and a halt to what he described as the oppression and cruelty inflicted on Palestinians. He stated that showing power through the suffering of Gaza's children was a sign of weakness, helplessness, and a lack of conscience. Erdoğan urged the international community to take action, emphasizing that humanitarian aid must be allowed into the region immediately and that the policy of isolation must end.

Beyond the situation in Gaza, Erdoğan called on developed countries to assume greater responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing climate finance, particularly to developing nations. He argued that countries which had historically consumed a greater share of the global carbon budget should shoulder more responsibility for emissions reductions and climate financing. Erdoğan also stressed the need for climate funding to become more accessible, predictable, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable countries.

Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2053, noting that environmental considerations were being integrated into its development plans and energy security policies. He highlighted that Türkiye was pursuing decarbonisation across several sectors, including energy, industry, transportation, and agriculture. The president also mentioned the Zero Waste initiative launched in 2017, which had increased the country's recycling rate from approximately 13 per cent to nearly 40 per cent by the end of 2025.

Erdoğan identified clean energy, food security, industrialisation, climate-resilient cities, ocean protection, and zero waste among the priority areas for tangible progress. He described the Earth as a sacred trust that must be protected and preserved, adding that Türkiye was determined to contribute to addressing the climate crisis rather than worsening it. The Turkish president also noted that November 11 had been designated National Afforestation Day in Türkiye, with millions of seeds and saplings planted across the country annually.

Erdoğan warned that wars, migration, hunger, and poverty were making international solidarity increasingly necessary at a time when the global system was already facing serious challenges. He stressed that armed conflicts exact a heavy toll not only on human beings but also on the natural environment, making the protection of both people and the planet an urgent international responsibility. The Turkish president welcomed participating heads of state and government to Antalya, expressing hope that the discussions and decisions at COP31 would benefit all nations and humanity.

Key points

• Erdoğan condemns Israel's actions in Gaza as 'ecocide' at COP31 Leaders' Summit.
• Turkish president calls for immediate humanitarian assistance and an end to Gaza's isolation.
• Erdoğan reaffirms Türkiye's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2053.