Türkiye will use every possible means to prevent Israel from committing another genocide in Gaza, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Wednesday, vowing continued support for the Palestinian cause.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s firm stance against Israel’s crimes against humanity.
“We are using all means of pressure against Israel to ensure we never return to the days of genocide,” the president said.
Erdoğan said Türkiye welcomed the cease-fire deal in Gaza, emphasizing that it was achieved through the country’s extensive diplomatic efforts across multiple channels.
He said that although fragile, a climate of security has begun to take hold in Gaza. “For the first time in two years, the faces of Gazan children are smiling,” he noted.
Erdoğan stressed that after two years of relentless bombardments, the people of Gaza are now beginning to rebuild their lives. “Children who have struggled to survive under bombs for two years are smiling again. Our brothers and sisters in Gaza are returning to their homes, clinging to what little they have left, and trying to start over. These are joys we can only imagine,” he said.
Pointing to Israel’s “poor record of keeping promises,” Erdoğan said Gazans remain hopeful despite their suffering. “We are well aware of Israel’s record, but the Palestinian resistance and our brothers in Gaza still want to be hopeful. We, too, are determined to maintain every possible pressure to ensure the world does not return to those days of genocide,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, Erdoğan said the leaders of the four signatory countries, along with others, showed a clear determination to pursue peace. “With the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration, we took an important step toward lasting peace and stability in our region. Türkiye will stand firmly behind this commitment, and we will be the close followers of the cease-fire’s implementation,” he said, expressing confidence that the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar would also uphold their commitments.
Erdoğan also noted progress in humanitarian efforts, saying Türkiye’s aid convoys continue to reach the enclave despite obstacles. “Nearly 350 of our trucks have entered Gaza, while over 400 more await entry. Yesterday, we sent our 17th goodwill ship carrying 900 tons of aid from Mersin to the region. We will continue our efforts without showmanship or PR, unlike others,” he said.
Reiterating Türkiye’s long-standing support for the Palestinian resistance, Erdoğan said Ankara has “never labeled the sons of Gaza who defend their homeland as terrorists,” rejecting Western narratives that portray Palestinian groups as extremists.
He pledged that Türkiye’s struggle will continue until an independent Palestinian state is established based on the 1967 borders. “We seek only the pleasure of God in standing by the oppressed. We have no expectations from anyone else. As always, sincerity, humility, and honesty will be our guide. Until our last breath, we will continue to work tirelessly for this noble nation and all the oppressed,” Erdoğan said.
