From Rhetoric to Reality: Erdogan’s Call for Unity Rings Hollow

On Saturday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called for Islamic nations to unite against what he described as the “growing threat of expansionism” from Israel. His strong rhetoric followed the killing of a Turkish-American woman by Israeli troops during a protest against settlement expansion in the Israeli-occupied West Bank—a tragedy that has drawn widespread condemnation. However, beneath these bold statements lies a more complex and troubling reality, casting doubt on the sincerity of Erdogan’s commitment to this proposed Islamic alliance.

A Year of Inaction

Erdogan’s recent call for an Islamic alliance to confront Israel is not a new development. He has had ample time over the past year to act on these ideas, yet his words have amounted to little more than lip service. Instead of rallying Islamic nations into a unified front, his administration has been seen bolstering ties with Israel. Turkey continues to maintain economic and diplomatic relations with Israel, and despite the harsh rhetoric, there has been no significant move to form a cohesive Islamic front to address the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian land.

His bold declarations, aimed at stirring Islamic solidarity, seem to be reactionary, triggered not by the decades-long oppression of Palestinians but by the killing of a single Turkish-American woman. This raises a disturbing question: why does the death of one individual appear to be the tipping point for Erdogan, when the oppression and suffering of thousands of Palestinians have not led to concrete action?

Hollow Alliances with Compromised Leaders

Erdogan touts his recent efforts to build relationships with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as part of a larger strategy to counter Israel’s influence. However, these alliances are hardly rooted in genuine resistance to Israel’s policies. Both Sisi and Assad have long been seen as leaders aligned with Western interests. Egypt, under Sisi’s rule, has maintained peace with Israel, and despite public opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza, has often played a subdued role in the broader conflict. Assad, too, despite his anti-Israel rhetoric, remains in a position weakened by internal strife, relying heavily on foreign support, including that of Russia and Iran—both of whom have their own geopolitical interests in the region.

In attempting to frame Sisi and Assad as key players in an Islamic alliance, Erdogan overlooks their deep ties to powers that either directly or indirectly support Israel. These are not leaders who will challenge Israel’s expansionist policies in any significant way. Erdogan’s narrative of building a unified Muslim front appears weak, based more on political convenience than genuine ideological alignment.

Gaza and the Hypocrisy of Muslim Leaders

The ongoing violence in Gaza has exposed the inertia and hypocrisy of many Muslim rulers, Erdogan included. The Muslim world has vast resources—from oil wealth to geopolitical influence—yet their collective silence or half-hearted attempts at diplomacy have only enabled Israel’s continued assault on Palestinian rights. Despite having the means to exert significant pressure on Israel, whether through economic sanctions or diplomatic isolation, many Muslim leaders, including Erdogan, have opted for symbolic gestures rather than meaningful action.

The recent events in Gaza have shown the world, both Muslim and non-Muslim, that the rulers of the Muslim world, while vocal in their condemnation of Israel, have largely chosen inaction. They have prioritised their political and economic relationships over the moral imperative to stand firmly against the oppression of Palestinians.

A Forgotten Legacy

Erdogan, in his push for Islamic unity, seems to have forgotten the legacy of leaders like Sultan Abdul Hamid II, the last Ottoman ruler who staunchly refused to cede Palestinian land to Zionist settlers despite immense pressure. Abdul Hamid, ruling over an empire significantly weakened, held firmly to the cause of Palestine, recognising its significance to the Muslim world. His refusal to sell even an inch of Palestinian land to Zionist colonists was not only an act of resistance but a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sanctity of Islamic lands.

Today, Erdogan invokes Islamic solidarity, but his actions pale in comparison to the principled stances of past leaders like Sultan Abdul Hamid. Instead of uniting the Muslim world against Israeli aggression, Erdogan’s calls for an alliance appear more about optics than genuine resistance.

A Call for Genuine Leadership

Erdogan’s rhetoric may resonate with those who are frustrated by Israel’s actions, but his failure to move beyond words suggests a deeper issue. While he speaks of forming an Islamic alliance to counter Israel’s expansionism, his alliances with Western-backed leaders like Sisi and Assad, along with his country’s ongoing relations with Israel, suggest otherwise.

The bloodshed in Gaza and the West Bank demands more than just words—it requires genuine leadership, bold actions, and a willingness to confront not only Israel but also the powers that enable its expansion. Erdogan’s days are numbered; he has not only damaged his international standing in the Muslim world but is also facing the consequences of a crippling economy at home, which will soon bring his legacy to an end. A sincere leader will not emerge from the current crop of rulers, who continue to prioritise personal gain over the cause of Palestine. The Muslim world, and indeed the world at large, is witnessing this failure.

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