Erdoğan Denounces Attacks on Schools, Hospitals in Iran, Lebanon

(MENAFN) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday criticized what he called a “bloodthirsty network” for continuing to strike schools and hospitals in Iran and Lebanon, similar to actions previously seen in Gaza.

“A bloodthirsty network continues striking schools and hospitals in Iran and Lebanon as it did in Gaza,” Erdogan said during an iftar event for March 14 Medicine Day at Istanbul University’s Faculty of Medicine.

Addressing escalating regional tensions, Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye positions itself among nations promoting reason, dialogue, and diplomacy. “Against this state of madness, Türkiye is among the leading countries defending humanity, advocating reason, and seeking solutions to crises through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.

Erdogan highlighted the humanitarian consequences of the Gaza conflict, noting that civilians—including infants in incubators and children attending school—have been killed. He added that medical personnel were also targeted, with nearly 1,700 healthcare workers losing their lives due to what he described as Israel's “state terror.”

Reports indicate that regional hostilities intensified after February 28, when Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, including the then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 150 children at a girls’ elementary school. Iran responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries, citing threats to US military assets.

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