Erdogan condemns Israel for targeting hospitals in Iran and Lebanon

2026-03-15 - 09:52

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sharply criticized ongoing military operations targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran and Lebanon, drawing parallels to the destruction witnessed in Gaza. Speaking Saturday at an iftar gathering for March 14 Medicine Day at Istanbul University's Faculty of Medicine, the Turkish leader described the perpetrators as a "bloodthirsty network" that continues striking schools and hospitals beyond Gaza's borders. "A bloodthirsty network continues striking schools and hospitals in Iran and Lebanon as it did in Gaza," Erdogan told medical faculty members and students. His remarks come amid heightened regional hostilities following February 28 joint attacks by Israel and the United States on Iranian territory, which claimed more than 1,200 lives including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and over 150 children at a girls' elementary school. Türkiye Champions Diplomatic Path Amid Regional Madness The president positioned Türkiye as a voice of reason against what he termed regional "madness," emphasizing that Ankara stands among nations advocating dialogue and diplomatic solutions. "Against this state of madness, Türkiye is among the leading countries defending humanity, advocating reason, and seeking solutions to crises through dialogue and diplomacy," he stated. Erdogan highlighted the devastating human toll of the conflict, noting that the world has witnessed scenes where human life is disregarded. He specifically mentioned babies in incubators and children sent to school with smiles who have been killed in bombings. The president also drew attention to attacks on healthcare workers, revealing that nearly 1,700 medical personnel have been killed as a result of what he termed Israel's "state terror." Humanitarian Values Guide Turkish Foreign Policy Addressing Türkiye's approach to regional developments, Erdogan emphasized that humanitarian values and justice, rather than geopolitical or economic interests, guide Ankara's policies. "We will maintain our humanitarian stance that looks at events not through the value of oil, gold, natural gas, or minerals, but through the lens of justice, compassion, mercy, and human dignity," he said. The president grounded his remarks in Islamic teachings, citing Verse 32 of Surah Al-Ma'idah which states that saving a life is akin to saving all humanity. He reiterated that Türkiye's governing philosophy places the protection of human life at its core, recalling the principle "Let the people live so that the state may live." Iran has meanwhile retaliated against the February 28 attacks with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states, specifically aiming at what Tehran describes as "US military assets."