Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tells world leaders at the UN climate summit COP31 in Antalya that the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza is not only genocide but also “ecocide,” citing environmental damage. He calls for wider recognition of the war’s impact on the territory and urges Israel to grant more aid access to Palestinians.
Erdogan’s remarks reference a UN-backed panel of independent experts that concluded last year that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Israel rejects that finding, saying it vehemently denies the allegations and has accused the panel of antisemitism.
Some outlets focus mainly on the core confrontation at COP31—Erdogan’s “ecocide” characterisation and Israel’s denial—while others add more detail on the environmental effects Erdogan highlights. In coverage that includes such detail, Erdogan’s comments mention destruction of olive trees, pollution of soil and water, rubble from damaged cities, and flooding that inundates tents and shelters.
