Erdoğan reiterates call for ceasefire in Gaza at G20 Summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated his call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza during his speech on Nov. 18 at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

As host, the Brazilian leader placed world hunger and poverty as top priorities in the agenda, alongside reform of the institutions of global governance and sustainable development and energy transition. The first two sessions of the summit took place on Nov. 18

Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva opened the summit by lamenting the growing tensions and armed conflicts plaguing the global stage. "I observe with sadness that the world is worse: we have the highest number of armed conflicts since World War II and the largest number of forced displacements ever recorded," said Lula.

During the session titled "Combating Hunger and Poverty," he launched a "Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty" initiative to end world hunger. 

Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye is committed to global efforts to combat poverty and food insecurity. He stated that Türkiye sees the mobilization of the Brazilian presidency not only as a strategic initiative but also as a moral responsibilty.

Addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, Erdoğan highlighted that 96 percent of Gaza's population — over 2 million people — lack access to clean food and water.

"Especially in Gaza, the risk of famine has reached the level of 'catastrophic' according to international classifications," Erdoğan said. "With the increasing attacks and the approaching winter season, the conditions of the people in Gaza are worsening by day."

He also announced that Türkiye has provided over 86,000 tons of aid to Gaza and more than 1,300 tons to Lebanon.

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