“It is the international community’s duty to Gaza to bring lasting peace to the Palestinian people”
Speaking at the opening session of the 4th Legislative Year of the 28th Term of the GNAT, President Erdoğan said: “We believe that while there are no winners in a war, there are no losers in a just peace. Our Palestinian brothers and sisters are the nation most deserving of peace and tranquility in the world for their honorable struggle. It is first the duty of the Islamic world and then of the international community to Gaza to bring the lasting peace that they deserve to the Palestinian people.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered the opening speech of the 4th Legislative Year of the 28th Term of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT).
President Erdoğan said: “The Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, which derives its legitimacy directly from our nation, has always stood on the side of justice, the righteous and the oppressed. The strongest response to the genocide perpetrated by the Israeli administration in Gaza and other parts of Palestine for two years, and to the state terrorism it has unleashed in the region, has come from these seats representing 86 million citizens.
Our Assembly, which has been the voice of our nation's conscience with its uncompromising stance against the mass killings in Gaza, has made its mark with seven joint statements it has issued. In particular, the ‘Resolution on the Genocide Committed by Israel Against the Palestinian People,’ adopted by the General Assembly on August 29, sent a very strong message to those who turn a blind eye to oppression and bury themselves in a pit of indifference.
“WE HAVE BEEN THE LOUD VOICE OF THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE ON EVERY PLATFORM”
The work carried out by the Parliamentary Group in Solidarity with Palestine is another successful effort by the Parliament in the context of Gaza and Palestinian diplomacy. In short, this noble institution has passed the Gaza test with great success, in a manner befitting our history and national character. I sincerely thank our political parties and esteemed members of parliament who have shown solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine. May Allah bless you.
We, too, have been the loud voice of the Palestinian cause on every platform, including at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations last week. We have maintained our dignified stance in the strongest way possible against the smear campaigns targeting us, our government and country. We stand by the brave sons of Gaza as they heroically resist the occupying forces attacking their land with the world's most modern weapons. We delivered over 102,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza. We completely cut off trade with Israel 1.5 years ago. We intervened in the Genocide Case filed at the International Court of Justice. We engaged in countless diplomatic, legal and economic steps, too many to fully list here. Praise be to Allah, we stood firmly by our Gazan brothers and sisters.
“OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN GAZA ARE THE CLOSEST WITNESS TO TÜRKİYE’S EFFORTS”
Our brothers and sisters in Gaza are the closest witness to Türkiye's efforts. The people of Palestine are fully aware of the things we have been doing for them and the selfless efforts we have been showing. Unfortunately, we regret to see that our country and government have been the target of unfair and unwarranted criticism from circles whose record on this issue is far from impressive.
Neither we nor our friends who walk this path with us became acquainted with the Palestinian cause two years ago like some others; we have dedicated our lives to this cause. Allah willing, we will continue to fearlessly defend the rights of Palestine and our first qibla, Al-Quds Al-Sharif, until our last breath.
I have no doubt whatsoever that, Allah willing, history will inscribe the Republic of Türkiye in golden letters as the conscience of its age because of our determined stance in Gaza. I would also like to specifically note that stopping the bloodshed in Gaza was at the top of our agenda at our meeting with President Trump.
“THIS SHAME MUST COME TO AN END IMMEDIATELY”
We made proposals, explained ways out of this issue and clearly outlined what is needed for a lasting peace. We believe that while there are no winners in a war, there are no losers in a just peace. Our Palestinian brothers and sisters are the nation most deserving of peace and tranquility in the world for their honorable struggle. It is first the duty of the Islamic world and then of the international community to Gaza to bring the lasting peace that they deserve to the Palestinian people. Gaza has had enough of bloodshed, tears and destruction. This shame must come to an end immediately.
We do not want to see another innocent person torn from life, another child starve to death or another bomb fall on Gaza. Türkiye will continue to work with all its strength for this cause. Our struggle will continue, Allah willing, until an independent and sovereign Palestinian State is established with territorial integrity and East al-Quds as its capital based on the 1967 borders.
Despite all the suffering and the innocent blood that has been shed, we remain hopeful. Just as we were blessed to see Syria regain its freedom after 14 years of darkness, I wholeheartedly believe that, with Allah's will, we will see peace, stability and security prevail ‘from the river to the sea’ in a beautiful future. We send our messages of solidarity to our Gazan and Palestinian brothers and sisters from here. I strongly emphasize that Türkiye, which has always been by their side, will continue to remain by their side.”
