Credited from: TRTGLOBAL
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the newly declared ceasefire between Iran and Israel, expressing hope that the situation would lead to lasting peace in the region. He celebrated US President Donald Trump's efforts in facilitating the ceasefire, while emphasizing that "everyone needs to shoulder responsibility to achieve peace" in the Middle East, according to aa and trtglobal.
During remarks following a NATO summit, Erdogan highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that "80% of Gaza has been destroyed" and that over 56,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to Israeli military actions. He condemned Israel's blockade, asserting that humanitarian aid was being deliberately obstructed, and called for immediate international attention to the issue, according to Reuters and aa.
Erdogan reiterated that "lasting solutions with Iran are only possible through diplomacy and dialogue" and urged a permanent ceasefire between the conflicting parties in Gaza. He underscored that Israel's actions not only destabilize Gaza but also threaten regional security, which directly impacts Israel's own safety, according to aa and trtglobal.
In light of the recent conflicts, Erdogan called for Trump to exert similar diplomatic pressure to find resolutions not only in Gaza but also in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, indicating the importance of cooperation in achieving lasting peace. He expressed confidence that such efforts from world leaders are essential for resolving deep-rooted tensions in these war zones, as reported by aa.
During his discussions with NATO allies and other leaders, Erdogan underlined Turkey's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities, which includes ongoing talks about the F-35 fighter jet program. He emphasized that these efforts are aimed at strengthening Turkey's position amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics, according to Reuters and aa.