Turkey continues Gaza aid despite various disruptions caused by Israel
After a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan underscored that no state in the region can feel secure while Palestinians continue to suffer, lose land, and remain without an independent state.
He noted that the Turkish Red Crescent’s 18th Goodwill Ship — carrying around 800 tons of supplies, including winter blankets, basic food items and other critical aid — reached Egypt’s al-Arish port Friday en route to Gaza. The organization is also providing daily hot meals to 35,000 people in Gaza and supporting hospitals and health services run by the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Although a Hamas-Israel ceasefire has been in place since Oct. 10, Israel continues to violate it, resulting in hundreds of new Palestinian casualties. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed more than 69,000 people — mostly women and children — and injured over 170,000, leaving the territory nearly unlivable.
"Hamas remains committed to the agreement it signed despite all provocations from the Netanyahu government and is fulfilling its obligations. We also see that the US administration, under President Trump, is taking a constructive approach on this issue," Erdogan said.
Erdogan reiterated that Türkiye promotes peace, stability, justice, and prosperity along its southern borders, from Iraq to Syria. On Syria, he said he welcomes the country’s improving international engagement and added: "We remain committed to implementing the March 10 Accord, which we believe will strengthen the unity, cohesion, and territorial integrity of this neighboring country. Türkiye is prepared to provide all necessary support for a peaceful resolution of this issue."
As the anniversary approaches of Dec. 8 — marking a year since Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, ending decades of Baath Party rule, and the formation of a transitional government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa — Erdogan said energy should be directed toward a common future, not past divisions.
Calling for vigilance against “provocations and manipulations of those pursuing expansionist ambitions,” he said Türkiye sees all Syrians as “brothers” and seeks peace and well-being for all.
He added that Türkiye will continue engaging regional actors to help secure lasting stability.
Regarding last week’s Turkish Air Force cargo plane crash on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, Erdogan said the cause will become clearer after an investigation and analysis of the C-130’s black box. He pledged transparent communication of the findings, especially to the victims’ families.
Erdogan also commented on hosting Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhurman in Ankara last week during his first official foreign visit. The two discussed coordinated efforts toward a fair, lasting Cyprus settlement reflecting realities on the island.
Erdogan praised Erhurman for making clear to the Greek Cypriot side that Turkish Cypriots’ sovereign equality is non-negotiable.
He criticized renewed attempts to revive previously failed Cyprus proposals, calling them a “waste of time,” and reiterated that a sustainable solution requires a two-state framework. He said an agreement based on sovereign equality and equal international status is possible if the Greek side shows the same constructive attitude that Turkish Cypriots have demonstrated from the outset.
"On the other hand, no solution built on injustice can endure," he added.
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