Erdogan: Our historical record is clear, and Netanyahu's government is responsible for the blood of 73,000 martyrs

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed that his country categorically rejects all slanders issued by the Israeli occupation authorities, describing them as a 'criminal network' whose hands are stained with the blood of innocents in the Gaza Strip. Erdogan explained, in a speech delivered after chairing a government meeting in the capital Ankara, that these attempts to tarnish Turkey's image will not succeed in covering up the crimes committed against the Palestinian people.

The Turkish President emphasized his country's moral and historical legacy, pointing out that the Turkish nation has a history spanning thousands of years characterized by conscience and justice. He added that the Turkish record is completely free of any practices related to genocide or colonialism; rather, it has always been a beacon for helping the oppressed and providing relief to them regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliations, which represents the essence of Turkish policy throughout the ages.

In the context of his discussion of the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip, Erdogan stated that the occupation leaders resort to spreading lies against Ankara to divert attention from their brutality, which has led to the martyrdom of more than 73,000 Palestinians. He noted that the majority of the victims are women and children, reflecting the scale of the humanitarian tragedy caused by the entity in the occupied territories amidst suspicious international silence.

On the international front, the Turkish President touched upon his country's relief efforts towards Venezuela following the devastating double earthquake that recently struck it with a magnitude of 7.5. He announced the establishment of a military air bridge to transport elite teams, specialized vehicles, and trained dogs to contribute to search and rescue operations, emphasizing Turkey's commitment to standing by friendly countries in times of natural disasters.

Erdogan praised the popular and institutional movement in Turkey, where municipalities and civil organizations quickly organized extensive donation campaigns to support the victims in Venezuela who lost more than 1,700 people due to the earthquakes. He considered that this solidarity reflects the authentic values of the Turkish people and their ability to act quickly and effectively in the face of major humanitarian crises afflicting the world.

On domestic affairs, the Turkish President reviewed national economic indicators, commending the success in keeping unemployment rates at low levels, not exceeding single digits for 37 consecutive months. He affirmed that government policies have succeeded in protecting the labor market and creating new employment opportunities despite the financial storms and global economic crises that have affected major international powers.

In our glorious history spanning thousands of years, there is no genocide, massacres, or colonialism; rather, there is only justice and extending a helping hand to the oppressed.