“As Türkiye, we have not left Palestine alone”

 

Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers, President Erdoğan said: “As Türkiye, we have not left Gaza alone; we have not left Palestine alone. Nor will we leave Gaza or Palestine alone in the future.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered reporters’ questions after performing Friday prayers at Hz. Ali Mosque in Istanbul.

In answer to a question regarding the rally held yesterday in Istanbul to show solidarity with Palestine, President Erdoğan said: “As we are entering the new year, we all witnessed a historic moment at Galata Bridge. This shows that Palestine is not alone. Palestine has always been the apple of our eye. Israel will not get away with its animosity. As Türkiye, we have not left Gaza alone so far; we have not left Palestine alone. Nor will we leave Gaza or Palestine alone in the future. As Türkiye and the Islamic world, we will stand by Palestine and Gaza with everything in our power, and will maintain our solidarity.”

President Erdoğan went on: “This pharaoh called Netanyahu will not get away with what he has done. He has earned the wrath of countless victims from all ages. The curse of those children will not go unanswered. Netanyahu will not escape the curse of those children living in what looks like anything but tents, in mud-soaked tents battered by wind and rain – as seen on TV screens. We are doing everything in our power. Can you imagine it? We want to send containers; yet, he doesn’t allow. His permission is required. We have containers in our possession but we cannot send them since he denies permission.”

Noting that these containers can save Palestinians from living in tents, President Erdoğan stressed: “Sooner or later, we will rid these oppressed people of this trouble.”

Asked about his projections for 2026 regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, President Erdoğan stated: “As you know, I continue my talks with Mr. Putin and Mr. Zelenskyy as well as with Mr. Trump and European leaders on this issue. A summit by the name of the Coalition of the Willing will convene this week in Paris, and my Foreign Minister will attend it on my behalf. Also, I will have a phone call with Mr. Trump at around 4 p.m. on Monday to discuss issues surrounding Russia and Ukraine as well as Palestine.”