President Erdogan condemns Israeli atrocities, advocates for Palestinian sovereignty

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterates support for Palestinian cause following meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

Following a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Turkish Presidential Complex, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause

During a joint press conference held after their meeting, Abbas addressed the international standing of Palestine, stressing the need to strengthen efforts to ensure international protection for the region. “Efforts must be intensified to provide international protection for Palestine,” stated Abbas, emphasizing their desire for Palestine to obtain permanent membership in the United Nations and for the Security Council to make decisions reflecting this aspiration.

Expressing his heartfelt greetings and gratitude to President Erdogan and the Turkish people, Abbas reiterated his appreciation for Türkiye’s continuous support for the Palestinian cause. “We are grateful for Türkiye’s continuous support for the Palestinian cause,” Abbas affirmed.

Abbas also expressed sincere gratitude for Türkiye’s assistance to the Palestinian people, including those in Gaza. “Türkiye fulfills its historical responsibility towards the Palestinian people with brotherhood at its core,” Abbas acknowledged.

Abbas further highlighted the ongoing plight faced by Palestinians, noting that over 120,000 Palestinians have been injured or killed. He condemned Israel’s actions in the West Bank, stating, “Israel continues its crimes and massacres in the West Bank.”

In response to the situation, President Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s readiness to assume responsibility within the framework of a guarantor mechanism for Israel and Palestine. “We are ready to increase our efforts in this regard,” affirmed Erdogan.

Erdogan also criticized radical Israeli politicians’ calls to restrict Muslims’ access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, referring to such demands as “utter nonsense.” He emphasized the urgent need for a fair peace with tangible guarantees, stating, “It is abundantly clear that what is needed is not mere rhetoric but a fair peace with guarantees.”

Highlighting the urgency of finding a just solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Erdogan emphasized, “It is now widely understood that peace cannot prevail in the Middle East without a just solution to the Israel-Palestine issue.”

Erdogan condemned the actions of what he referred to as “so-called settlers,” stating that their actions, which encroach upon Palestinian land, are among the biggest obstacles to a resolution.

Regarding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Erdogan emphasized the importance of not succumbing to Israel’s efforts to discredit the agency through lies and defamation.

Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s stance on the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, emphasizing that this is the only path to a lasting peace.

He also condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration, stating, “Netanyahu and his accomplices will be held accountable for every drop of blood they shed before the law and human conscience.”

Erdogan criticized Western powers for their unwavering support for Netanyahu’s government, accusing them of complicity in what he described as an “open genocide” against the Palestinian people.

He concluded by condemning Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, noting, “For 151 days now, we have witnessed one of the greatest barbarities of the past century.”

Source: Anadolu Agency