Türkiye’s Stand on Gaza Will Be Vindicated by History, Says Erdogan

Uncategorized , / Saturday, January 4th, 2025

Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL – President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared on Friday that Türkiye’s position on the Gaza crisis will be validated by history, just as it was in Syria.

“History proved us right in Syria, and it will do the same for Gaza,” Erdogan said during a Türkiye Exporters Assembly event in Istanbul. He emphasized that Türkiye’s commitment to justice, peace, and compassion would stand the test of time.

Recalling Syria’s shift in leadership, Erdogan noted the downfall of the Baath regime after anti-regime forces seized Damascus in December 2023.

Amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Erdogan stressed the urgency of ending the bloodshed. “We cannot tolerate another innocent life lost. We are working tirelessly to stop the massacres and achieve lasting peace,” he said.

The UN Migration Agency recently warned that nearly one million Gazans urgently need winter aid, with hypothermia claiming the lives of seven infants. Türkiye has sent 100,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, aiming to ease the suffering of its people.

Erdogan also highlighted Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts to secure greater international recognition for Palestine. “Türkiye is the only country to have completely halted trade with Israel,” he said, referencing the $9.5 billion trade freeze implemented in May amid the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza.

The Turkish president also announced the expansion of the Palestine Free Trade Agreement, granting concessions on 41 agricultural products and increasing the quota for dates to 7,000 tons.

Since October 7, the Israeli military campaign in Gaza has claimed over 45,600 lives, mostly women and children, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.