Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that the ongoing violence in Gaza, which he said has claimed over 70,000 lives, demonstrates that the core values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have been 'severely damaged.' He made the remarks on December 10, Human Rights Day, emphasizing the continued suffering in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories despite international efforts to halt the violence.

Erdogan extended greetings to the Turkish people and the global human rights community on the 77th anniversary of the UN declaration, calling it a vital document that still upholds humanity’s shared values. However, he lamented that the principles enshrined in it are being violated in many parts of the world, weakening notions of peace and justice.

He urged the international community to take collective responsibility for rebuilding Gaza and to strengthen the ceasefire. Erdogan reiterated that a just and lasting peace requires the implementation of a two-state solution and increased pressure on Israel to prevent further escalation.