Turkey’s President Calls Gaza Crisis an ‘Ecological Genocide’ at UN Summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the international community to recognise the serious environmental damage caused by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. He also demanded greater access for humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians facing difficult living conditions.

Speaking at the UN Climate Change Conference COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, on November 11, 2026, Erdogan described the destruction in Gaza as both a genocide and an ecocide. His remarks received applause from several world leaders attending the summit.

Erdogan pointed to the widespread destruction of Gaza’s environment, including ancient olive trees, agricultural land, soil and water resources. He said many cities had been reduced to rubble, while damage to infrastructure had made daily life increasingly difficult for residents.

The situation has become worse due to heavy rainfall and flooding. With many buildings and essential facilities destroyed, thousands of tents and temporary shelters have been affected by floodwater. Many Palestinians are struggling to access basic necessities, including food and clean drinking water.

Israel has rejected allegations of genocide and accused Erdogan of using the climate summit to promote anti-Israel propaganda. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains serious. Earlier in the week, the collapse of a sand embankment killed at least four people, while heavy rain added to the difficulties faced by displaced families. Although some humanitarian aid has entered Gaza, imports remain restricted, limiting the supplies available to residents.

A United Nations report has highlighted the scale of environmental destruction since the conflict began in October 2023. According to the report, more than 97 per cent of tree crops and 82 per cent of annual crops have been damaged. Much of Gaza’s agricultural land has become unusable, affecting food production and the livelihoods of farming communities.

The report also points to the collapse of essential services, including waste disposal and clean water facilities. These problems have increased health risks for hundreds of thousands of people. Poor sanitation and limited access to safe drinking water have made conditions more dangerous, particularly for displaced families.

Gaza’s fishing industry has also suffered severe damage. Pollution from sewage and military materials has affected marine ecosystems, reducing fishing activities and threatening the livelihoods of people who depend on the sea. The damage to farming and fishing has further weakened local food supplies.

Experts warn that rebuilding Gaza’s environment will be a long and difficult process. Contaminated soil, damaged ecosystems and destroyed infrastructure could create serious challenges for future generations. These problems may also affect public health, food security and the region’s ability to recover.

At COP31, world leaders gathered to discuss ways to address global warming and respond to climate-related disasters. More than 70 leaders attended the summit, although the leaders of the United States, China and India were absent.

Erdogan’s speech brought attention to the environmental consequences of the Gaza conflict alongside its humanitarian impact. The destruction of agricultural land, water resources and essential infrastructure could make recovery more difficult even after the fighting ends.