Türkiye welcomes Gaza cease-fire, pledges continued support for Palestinians
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attending the “Great Palestine Rally” and delivering a speech at Ataturk Airport, Istanbul, Türkiye, October 28, 2023. (AA Photo)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that Türkiye hopes the Gaza cease-fire deal will pave the way for lasting peace and stability for “our Palestinian brothers and sisters,” as well as for the region and all humanity.
In a post on X, Erdogan said Türkiye will continue standing by Gaza and “mobilize all means to help Gaza heal and get back on its feet.” He welcomed the cease-fire deal reached between Hamas and Israel, which was announced by Qatar.
“We salute the heroic people and valiant sons and daughters of Gaza who courageously defend their land and freedoms in the face of Israel’s unlawful and inhumane attacks,” Erdogan said, adding that Türkiye has always supported Palestinians in their struggle against oppression.
Türkiye’s support for Palestine will continue
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in a phone call with Hamas officials, welcomed the deal and affirmed that Türkiye’s support for Palestine will remain steadfast.
Fidan, in phone calls with Hamas Shura Council Chairman Mohammed Ismail Darwish and members of the Hamas Political Bureau, also wished that the Gaza cease-fire deal between Palestinian group Hamas and Israel would be beneficial for all.
The Foreign Ministry also issued a statement praising the mediating efforts of Qatar and Egypt, which were crucial in securing the agreement.
“The international community must ensure that Israel fulfills its responsibilities,” the statement said, stressing that the cease-fire must be made permanent and that humanitarian aid should be delivered to Gaza urgently.
Hamas expresses gratitude to Türkiye
Meanwhile, Hamas political bureau member Khalil al-Hayya said Wednesday that the Palestinian people “will not forget anyone who took part in the war of genocide.”
“In this historic moment, we extend words of pride and honor to our people in Gaza,” he added.
Al-Hayya further recalled “the honorable stances of all countries that supported us in various fields, especially our brothers in Türkiye, South Africa, Algeria, Russia, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia.”
Earlier, Qatari PM and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman announced the success of mediators in reaching a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip, noting that its implementation will begin this Sunday.
The first phase of the agreement will last for 42 days and involve the release of 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners.
Bin Abdulrahman emphasized that Qatar, Egypt, and the United States will ensure the implementation of the agreement and monitor its execution to prevent violations.
