President Erdoğan: “Beyond being a great state, Türkiye reflects the conscience of humanity”

 

Upon attending the "Sharm El Sheikh Summit for Peace," President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed journalists’ questions on his return flight to Türkiye.

Recalling the conclusion of his visit to Egypt to attend the "Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace," hosted by Egypt, at the invitation of President Donald Trump of the US, President Erdoğan expressed hope that the summit would mark a new turning point on the path to peace in the Middle East.

President Erdoğan noted that he had previously expressed satisfaction over the indirect talks between Hamas and the Israeli government that resulted in a ceasefire in Gaza, adding, "Our contributions to the negotiation process have been recognised by multiple heads of state, including President Donald Trump of the US. He suggested signing a declaration to officially acknowledge the contributions of Egypt, Qatar, and our country throughout this process. It is crucial that the agreement reached be implemented in full and that the United States maintains its influence over the Israeli government during this process.”

Emphasising the significance of the recent exchange of hostages and prisoners, President Erdoğan went on to say:

"It would be misguided to regard the agreement as a resolution to the Palestinian issue. The agreement reached is, in essence, a ceasefire arrangement. We believe that the only resolution to the Palestinian issue is the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with full territorial integrity, based on the 1967 borders and with East Al-Quds as its capital. Türkiye will persist in its efforts toward this aim with firm resolve. We face a difficult process ahead. First and foremost, it must be ensured that the Israeli government upholds its commitment. This is because the Israeli side has an extremely poor track record in this regard. I believe that the actors with influence over Israel, foremost among them the United States, will continue to take the necessary actions to this end.

As you are aware, Gaza has been reduced to a massive pile of rubble. The people of Gaza are returning to the places from which they were forcibly displaced, yet there are no houses, hospitals, or schools remaining. There is hardly a building still standing. Türkiye is one of the countries that has delivered the most humanitarian aid to Gaza, totalling 102,000 tonnes. Thankfully, over the past several days, some 350 humanitarian trucks have successfully entered Gaza. The document agreed upon by Hamas and the Israeli government stipulates the passage of a minimum of 600 aid trucks per day. While we are intensively delivering aid to the Gaza Strip, it is equally crucial to launch initiatives based on the reconstruction plan approved by Arab and Islamic countries."

“At this stage, it would be beneficial to intensify efforts toward a two-state solution”

President Erdoğan noted that certain initiatives have been developed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League and emphasised that significant financial support is needed for their swift implementation.

Underlining his confidence that the needed support will be provided, President Erdoğan noted, "At this stage, it would be beneficial to intensify efforts toward a two-state solution. We want to see Western countries' decisions to recognise the state of Palestine as building blocks in the process of achieving a two-state solution, rather than as simple recognition decisions."

Otherwise, the actions would remain unfinished and fail to fulfil their intended purpose, President Erdoğan said, adding, "In this framework, I had meetings with both the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. For the first time in many years, the Palestinian cause has taken centre stage on humanity's common agenda. People wearing keffiyehs in the world's most remote regions, as well as the Sumud and freedom flotillas, represent a collective conscience in opposition to Israeli oppression. The calm atmosphere in Gaza should not lead to complacency on the humanitarian front."

President Erdoğan recalled that they had met with many heads of state and government and representatives at different levels, saying, "We discussed with them the issues I mentioned. We exchanged ideas. I hope the summit will lead to auspicious outcomes for our region, especially for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Finally, I pray for Allah's mercy upon our Qatari brothers who came to Sharm el-Sheikh to help with summit preparations but lost their lives in a traffic accident."

"People's conscience and common sense established this ceasefire."

President Erdoğan responded to a journalist's question who asked, "There have been numerous ceasefire agreements between Hamas and Israel in the past, but today's was very different from the others. There is talk of extensive international support and supervision. In previous agreements, Israel has consistently been the violating party. If such a situation arises this time, how do you think the rift will be resolved? What are your predictions, particularly in the context of this agreement? " as follows:

"First and foremost, it is critical that this ceasefire remain permanent and that no violations occur. As you are aware, Israel has a poor track record when it comes to ceasefire violations. This situation requires us to be more cautious and meticulous. Türkiye, the United States, and other countries are committed to maintaining the ceasefire. If it returns to genocide, Israel understands that the price will be high. We openly express this at every opportunity. Many previous agreements remained on paper. Unfortunately, lack of determination as well as Israel's ambivalent attitude contributed to this outcome. A more powerful and united will is now in place. We saw this common stance again at the Egypt summit. I am confident that President Trump, who has also led this process, will continue to support it. These developments are no longer just our hopes and wishes; they are also those of the countries and peoples we walk alongside. Nobody would agree to go back to the previous status quo. Since people's conscience and common sense established this ceasefire."

"Türkiye, beyond being a great state, reflects the conscience of humanity."

In response to the question regarding whether Türkiye has a long-term plan for aid to Gaza and what form such aid will take, and what plan Türkiye has to counter Israeli control over the aid, President Erdoğan stated the following:

"Türkiye, beyond being a great state, reflects the conscience of humanity. We extend our hand to every corner of the world, wherever the oppressed are. Despite the ongoing Israeli attacks, we dispatched aid to the region. We stocked the warehouses in Egypt without delay. Since the ceasefire began, a total of 350 of our trucks have entered Gaza. We are sending not just food, water, and medicine there. We are also delivering brotherhood and hope. Medicines and shelter supplies are being rapidly sent to the region. We are seeking ways to quickly eliminate the effects of the humanitarian disaster. Despite all obstacles, we currently have about 10,000 tents stored there with AFAD.

The reconstruction of Gaza is of utmost importance. We will work tirelessly to meet the shelter needs of the Gazans before winter arrives. Of course, I extend my thanks to the Turkish Red Crescent Society. I express my gratitude to our AFAD, TIKA, and the Ministry of Health. Together with our non-governmental organisations, they all continue their work in a coordinated manner. We will do more than just heal wounds there. We will also build the future. For this purpose, we are bringing the injured to our city hospitals, primarily those in Ankara, and providing treatment there. If they prefer İstanbul over Ankara, our city hospitals in İstanbul also serve our brothers and sisters. We are prepared to provide this service there as well."

"We are dedicated to building a future of lasting peace"

Noting that "Türkiye plays an active role in ensuring peace and stability in various regions of the world," a journalist asked, "How will the next stages in Gaza be shaped?" In response, President Erdoğan stated, "U.S. President Mr Trump, Egyptian President Mr Sisi, Emir Al Thani of Qatar and I have signed a four-party initiative. The signatures we have put down are not ordinary. These signatures have now inscribed this commitment to peace in the pages of history."

Reading the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit Declaration of Intent to the journalists, President Erdoğan continued as:

“The Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity. We, the undersigned, welcome the historic commitment of all parties to the Trump Peace Agreement, which brings an end to the deep suffering and losses of the past two years and opens a new chapter defined by a shared vision of hope, security, peace, and prosperity for the region, and support the implementation of the agreement. We support and stand behind President Trump’s sincere efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict and establish lasting peace in the Middle East. We will implement this agreement together to ensure peace, security, stability, and opportunity for all people in the region, including both Palestinians and Israelis. We believe that lasting peace will be one in which both Palestinians and Israelis can live prosperously, where their fundamental human rights are protected, their security is guaranteed, and their dignity is preserved. We emphasise that meaningful progress can only be achieved through cooperation and ongoing dialogue, and that strengthening ties between nations and peoples serves the lasting interests of regional and global peace and stability."

President Erdoğan, acknowledging the deep historical and spiritual significance of this region for intertwined faith communities rooted in these lands, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, stated:

"Respect for these sacred bonds and the preservation of cultural heritage sites will remain the central priority of our commitment to living together in peace. We are unified in our determination to eradicate all forms of extremism and radicalisation. No society can thrive in an environment where violence and racism are normalised, or where radical ideas jeopardise the essence of civilian existence. We promise to address the conditions that make extremism possible and to support education, equal opportunity, and respect for others as essential to achieving enduring peace. On this occasion, we pledge that future disputes will be resolved not through the use of force or prolonged conflicts, but through diplomatic contacts and negotiations."

President Erdoğan noted that the region can no longer endure the ongoing cycle of wars, stalled negotiations, or agreements that, although successfully negotiated, are fragmented, incomplete, or selectively implemented. He said, "The tragedies witnessed in the last two years should serve as an urgent warning that future generations deserve better than past failures. We want this region to be a place where everyone, regardless of race, faith, or ethnic origin, can pursue peace, security, and economic prosperity, with tolerance, dignity, and equal opportunities for all."

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan underlined that Türkiye is pursuing a comprehensive vision of peace, security and shared prosperity in the region, grounded in the principles of mutual respect and a shared destiny. He continued,

“From this perspective, we appreciate the progress made toward establishing comprehensive and lasting peace arrangements in the Gaza Strip, as well as the development of friendly and mutually beneficial relations between Israel and its neighbours in the region. We pledge to work together to build the institutional foundations that will enable future generations to live in peace, bringing this legacy to life and ensuring its continuation. "We are dedicated to building a future of lasting peace"

Responding to a question about whether Turkish troops would participate in the Gaza task force, President Erdoğan noted that assessments regarding the task force's structure are still ongoing.

President Erdoğan went on to highlight the critical efforts that need to be undertaken in Gaza, saying:

“Both reconstruction and recovery are of great importance. We have discussed 'who might join us in contributing' to the reconstruction efforts. We request and will continue to request the support of all countries, from the Gulf states to Europe, particularly the United States. In terms of revitalisation, we also talked about what we can do together during our bilateral meetings with leaders. Our initial impressions are promising. They’re saying, ‘We will take on our role here.’ Hopefully, the promises made will be fulfilled. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, Minister of National Defence, Yaşar Güler, and Director of the National Intelligence Organisation, İbrahim Kalın, among others, will meet with their counterparts. I will also stay in contact with the leaders. We will focus on how we can carry this process forward.”
President Erdoğan recalled that life in Gaza continues in tents and stated, “Surely these people cannot be expected to live in tents permanently. I have also told my colleagues, ‘If necessary, we will send the containers we currently have to the region.’ We believe that with these containers, we can offer them a significantly better opportunity during the winter season. Our Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, AFAD, will have shouldered a significant burden in this regard. Türkiye stands by peace and will manage this process accordingly. We are genuinely excited about the establishment of a peaceful order in Gaza. Hopefully, we will move forward with this swiftly."

President Erdoğan stated that Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan and Director of the National Intelligence Organisation, İbrahim Kalın, continued to hold meetings with counterparts in the region and work on "what we can do together and how we can do it."

"The diplomacy we have established with President Trump is of utmost importance"

In response to the question, “You have just emphasised that Israel cannot be trusted. Unfortunately, it is not a reliable party. A critical threshold has been crossed, and the process ahead will be more difficult. If there is a violation, if Israel attacks again under some pretext or justification, could a mechanism be established to compel it to remain committed to the agreement? What course of action could be pursued through the United Nations Security Council or another framework?” President Erdoğan replied:

Inshallah, as of now, the clashes in Gaza have come to an end.  The fact that this was announced by President Trump is extremely significant. Mr Trump will be the primary figure monitoring this process. He made this clear during our meetings. As we were parting after our meeting, he said, 'Whatever falls to me in this process, let us stay in contact by phone and not neglect our telephone diplomacy.' We will continue our talks at every level. The diplomacy we have established with President Trump is of utmost importance. Hopefully, we will maintain this in a sensitive manner and do whatever is necessary to help establish a peaceful climate. All the countries that came together in Egypt will serve as the guarantors of this peaceful climate."

Upon the question, "Mr President, is this historic summit capable of putting a stop to the aggression, territorial expansionism and occupation policies of Israel, which we have witnessed over the past two years? In other words, has this historic summit reined in Israel, which has bombed every corner of the region from Lebanon to Syria? Will it be able to rein in Israel? Would it be capable of accomplishing this?" President Erdoğan replied, "We were at this summit to put an end to Israel's prolonged aggression, occupation policies, and ambitions that have plunged the region into instability. We have adopted a stance that defends the conscience of both our country and humanity against Israeli hostilities and displays of power.  This is the reason for our visit to Egypt. The Gaza experience proved to Israel the futility of pursuing aggression. Likewise, Israel acknowledged that Hamas's determination to resist remained unbroken. This is also quite important."

"Our support for Gaza must be maintained at a higher level"

President Erdoğan remarked on the significance of the Gazans' refusal to surrender in the face of occupation, genocide, and barbarism, despite suffering the loss of nearly 70,000 martyrs, adding:

"Indeed, you can launch bombardments from the air and virtually everywhere and carry out assaults, but it will never be effective. Faith is that divine jewel, so immense in its worth. A rusty heart devoid of faith is a burden on the chest.' This is a unique kind of spirit. It is abundantly clear that Israel cannot achieve anything by occupying its neighbours. The Netanyahu government's attempts to label anti-genocide reactions as antisemitism have failed in this sense. With the ceasefire in place, the international community's responsibility has not concluded; rather, it has just begun. For instance, consider what took place at the United Nations General Assembly. Netanyahu addressed the empty seats as everyone else left the hall. Our support for Gaza must be maintained at a higher level. We must continue our struggle to ensure that the genocide remains unforgotten. We must intensify our efforts to hold those responsible accountable. As Türkiye, we will continue to be the voice of humanity's conscience."

"Our talks with Syria continue across all areas."

When asked, "There have been some reports suggesting that integration into the Syrian army will begin soon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has conducted certain talks. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have also engaged in talks in Damascus. How soon do you expect this integration to take place? What are your expectations? Will the integration occur all at once, or will there be a gradual transition?" President Erdoğan replied:

"Our comprehensive talks with Syria continue across all areas and levels. We are also committed to enhancing our close coordination and cooperation to protect the accomplishments attained by Syria and the region. Leaving President Ahmed al-Shara of Syria, along with his companions, to fend for themselves is not an option. We frequently caution the SDF against taking misguided actions and urge them to support the unity and integrity of Syria. We hope that they adopt an approach that upholds Syria’s territorial integrity and leads to a united, prosperous future."  

Stating that "the swift integration of the SDF into Syria would also accelerate the country's development efforts," President Erdoğan expressed his appreciation for the Syrian administration moving towards the future with a vision that embraces all ethnic and religious groups in the country and emphasised that this approach serves the interests of both Syria and Türkiye.

"Those seeking to plunge Syria back into conflict care neither for the Kurds nor the Druze nor the Nusayris. As I stated at Malazgirt National Park, those who turn to Ankara and Damascus will win, while those who pursue foreign patrons will eventually lose," President Erdoğan said.