'There is a genocide in Gaza, I do not expect a conflict between Turkey and Israel'
Dr. Aleksandr Sotnichenko, Counselor at the Embassy of the Russian Federation, described the events in Gaza as a genocide. Explaining the West's silence by stating there is no perception of threat, Sotnichenko linked Turkey's policies toward Israel to the balances in Syria, while viewing the possibility of a direct conflict as low.
12punto
Speaking in an exclusive interview with 12punto during the International Palestine Conference held in Istanbul, Dr. Aleksandr Sotnichenko, Counselor at the Embassy of the Russian Federation, stated that what is happening in Gaza is an open genocide.
'THE WORLD IS SILENT BECAUSE THERE IS NO PERCEPTION OF THREAT'
Sotnichenko attributed the West's silence to the fact that Israel does not pose a direct threat to other countries:
“Israel is only attacking Palestinians. There is no threat directed at the US, Europe, Turkey, or Russia. For this reason, the West turns a blind eye to the murders.”
Citing historical examples, he recalled the massacres committed by the US against Native Americans and the actions taken against Jews in Nazi Germany, and added:
“If there is no threat, the world does not look. However, security must either exist everywhere or nowhere.”
'SOCIO-CULTURAL RACISM CONTINUES IN THE WEST'
According to Sotnichenko, the perception that “Israelis are white, civilized people, while Palestinians are barbarians” is widespread in Europe and the US. For this reason, commercial relations are not being severed. He also attributed the support the US provides to Israel to the power of the Jewish lobby.
'TURKEY'S ISRAEL POLICY IS RELATED TO THE SYRIA BALANCE'
Sotnichenko stated that Turkey's recent steps to limit trade with Israel are related to security balances in Syria. He noted that the presence of Russia and Hezbollah had restrained Israel in the past, but that this balance has disappeared today.
'TURKEY CANNOT ENTER A DIRECT CONFLICT DUE TO F-35S'
Emphasizing that Turkey cannot enter into a direct conflict with Israel due to its NATO membership and relations with the US, the Russian diplomat also drew attention to Israel's military power:
“Israel possesses highly superior fighter jets like the F-35. It is not realistic for Turkey to enter into a direct military conflict.”
Despite this, he said he does not see the possibility of a hot war between Turkey and Israel:
“I do not think there will be a conflict between Turkey and Israel; they will eventually reach an agreement.”