Ankara: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan voiced his concerns regarding the handling of college campus protests in the United States on Thursday, criticizing what he deemed as “cruelty” from authorities in suppressing pro-Palestinian voices among students and academics.
Across various campuses in the United States, demonstrations have erupted in response to Israel’s actions during the conflict in Gaza. These protests have led to police interventions and arrests, notably at institutions like Columbia University in New York.
Speaking at an event in Ankara, Erdogan highlighted the participation of conscientious students and academics, including anti-Zionist Jews, at prestigious American universities, who have been vocal in their opposition to the violence in Gaza. He lamented that these individuals are facing violence, cruelty, and even torture simply for advocating an end to the bloodshed.
Furthermore, Erdogan expressed his dismay over reports of university staff being dismissed and vilified for their support of the Palestinian cause. Turkey, a NATO ally of the United States, has consistently condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the unwavering backing it receives from Western nations.
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Erdogan’s remarks also touched upon the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, criticizing what he perceives as the prioritization of Israeli interests over democratic values in Western nations. He asserted, “The limits of Western democracy are drawn by Israel’s interests,” implying that any actions contrary to those interests are swiftly labeled as anti-democratic or antisemitic.
According to Palestinian health officials, the Gaza conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 people during Israel’s nearly seven-month military offensive. Israeli tallies, on the other hand, attribute the escalation to an Oct. 7 assault by Hamas militants, which claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 individuals and resulted in 253 hostages being taken in southern Israel.
