Turkish president urges Muslim world to unite against Israeli aggression

Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan has called on the Islamic world to come together in support of the people of Palestine and Lebanon in their struggles against Israel. 

One of the most brutal genocides of the century is taking place in Gaza, Erdogan said, at the opening event of the 40th Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul. 

"It is of great importance for the Islamic world to put aside differences and support the Palestinian and Lebanese people,” he said. 

"We are witnessing an inhumanity that overshadows the extermination camps established in the heart of Europe during World War II, first in Gaza and now in Lebanon over the past six weeks." 

Israel has continued its offensive on Gaza since October last year, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire. More than 43,000 people have since been killed in the conflict. Those dead include women and children. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its brutalities in Gaza.

Turkiye has ceased trade with Israel, causing an approximately $9.5 billion loss in trade volume, Anadolu Agency reported, citing the premier. 

A total of 186,000 or more deaths could be attributable to the Gaza conflict, a study published in medical journal Lancet in July revealed. 

Armed conflicts have indirect health implications beyond the direct harm from violence and even if the conflict ends immediately, there will continue to be many indirect deaths in the coming months and years, the study said.