Turkish Leader Addresses Regional Developments
On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed strong disapproval of the recent gathering involving Israel, Greece, and Cyprus. The meeting focused on security matters in the eastern Mediterranean region, including the situation in Gaza.
Speaking to members of his Justice and Development Party (AKP), Erdogan made it clear that Turkey "will not allow violations of its rights in the Aegean and the Mediterranean."
In a social media post summarizing his remarks, Erdogan stated: "I am stating this very clearly and plainly… Whether in the eastern Mediterranean, in the Aegean, or anywhere else, we will neither accept injustice nor allow our rights to be trampled."
He further emphasized: "Agreements can be made, signatures can be signed, orders can be placed, and various messages can be conveyed. None of these binds us or changes our policy. We did not fall for the game, and we will not. We did not succumb to provocations, and we will not."
Regarding Turkish Cypriots, Erdogan added: "We will not permit the violation of the rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots either."
Gaza Situation and Humanitarian Efforts
Erdogan addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating: "In our eyes, the insolence of those with the blood of more than 70,000 Palestinian brothers and sisters on their hands is no different from the rattling of tin cans." He attributed all Palestinian casualties since the Israel-Hamas conflict began to Israeli actions.
Despite ceasefire arrangements, Erdogan noted that "the hardships continue in the settlements that Israel has turned into ruins."
Turkey has maintained humanitarian support for Gaza, with Erdogan reporting: "Last week, our 19th Goodness Ship, carrying 1,300 tons of humanitarian aid materials, arrived at Egypt's El Arish Port. The amount of aid we have sent to Gaza in the last two years has approached 105 thousand tons."
He criticized Israel for not fulfilling aid delivery commitments: "According to the agreement, 600 trucks were supposed to enter Gaza daily. However, even in such a humanitarian matter, Israel does not keep its word, constantly creating difficulties and obstacles to the entry of humanitarian aid with fabricated excuses. Despite all this, we are striving to stand by the oppressed people of Gaza."
Erdogan concluded: "As Turkey, we will not back down, we will not stay silent, we will not forget; we will never leave Gaza alone."
Historical Context and Policy Defense
During his address, Erdogan rejected accusations of antisemitism in Turkish policy. He asserted: "Throughout our history, we have always been a haven for the oppressed. Regardless of their religion, language, or origin, we opened our doors to those who were oppressed, humiliated, subjected to cruelty, and massacred. We sheltered Jews fleeing the Inquisition and Jewish scientists fleeing Nazi persecution."
He continued: "From the Caucasus to the Balkans, from Africa to Asia, wherever someone was in trouble, we rushed to their aid without hesitation. This was true yesterday, it is true today, and it will never change tomorrow."
In related developments, Erdogan extended condolences to Libya's Government of National Unity following the death of their military chief of staff in a plane crash after visiting Ankara on Tuesday.
