Greta Thunberg at COP: Turkish energy shipments 'directly fuelling the genocide of Palestine'

Greta Thunberg spoke at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey on November 12, 2026, condemning Turkish energy shipments to Israel as directly fueling the genocide of Palestine. A recent report found that 77 crude oil shipments left Turkish ports for Israel between May 2024 and June 2026, despite Turkey's embargo on the trade.

Thunberg addressed activists from Nepal, Australia, Palestine, and Canada, urging Turkey to cease the transfer of oil and energy to Israel, which she claimed is directly contributing to the genocide. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had also acknowledged the genocide in Gaza and called for immediate aid to the enclave during his opening remarks at the conference.

The Turkish Minister of Environment and COP31 president, Murat Kurum, stated that Turkey did not invite Israeli leaders due to the mass killings of Palestinians in Gaza. However, activists argue that Turkey's continued oil shipments to Israel create an uncomfortable contradiction, as the nation presents itself as a climate leader while profiting from the genocide.

The campaign group Energy Embargo for Palestine (EFFP) highlighted the contradiction, questioning how Turkey can be a climate leader while its territory remains a key part of the supply chain for oil shipped to Israel.