President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the nation during the Opening Ceremony of Newly-Built Facilities and Projects in Trabzon, emphasizing Türkiye’s role as a stabilizing and principled actor amid deepening global and regional crises.

Pointing to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, Erdoğan noted that the Russia-Ukraine war is nearing its fourth year, with tens of thousands of casualties on both sides and no decisive diplomatic breakthrough in sight.

“The desired results from the efforts aimed at ending the war have yet to be achieved,” he said. “This bloody war, which escalates from time to time, unsettles the entire world together with our region. We as Türkiye pursue a balanced and just policy here. We are in contact with both of the countries for the termination of the conflicts and the establishment of peace.”

Turning to developments in Gaza, Erdoğan welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement following what he described as a two-year-long genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.

“After a two-year-long genocide, the first step towards lasting calm in Gaza has been taken in recent days,” he said. “The civilians, who have been driven from one place to another, are returning to where they have been displaced from. The aid entry to Gaza, thanks be to Allah, has accelerated. Our humanitarian relief trucks have started to arrive in Gaza.”

He added that the people of Gaza, especially children, are breathing a sigh of relief after prolonged oppression. However, Erdoğan cautioned that the ceasefire does not mark the end of the struggle.

“Not everything has been solved with the ceasefire agreement. Now, a much bigger challenge awaits the Islamic world and humanity. First of all, it must be ensured that Israel stands behind its signature. Israel must not be allowed to backtrack on the agreement by finding a pretext, just as it has done repeatedly.”

The Turkish president underlined that rebuilding Gaza and ensuring humane living conditions must be the next priority before the onset of winter.

“Israel has made 85 percent of Gaza unlivable. Steps on this issue should be taken before winter sets in. Our Gazan brothers and sisters should be moved out from makeshift shelters. We as Türkiye will do whatever is necessary regarding this as well,” Erdoğan said.

Reaffirming Türkiye’s long-standing commitment to justice, peace, and solidarity with oppressed peoples, Erdoğan concluded: “We want stability in our region. We want security for everyone. We wish whatever we wish for ourselves for the oppressed in Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen as well. We will, inshallah, continue to work with this understanding.”

The speech in Trabzon reflected Türkiye’s dual focus on humanitarian leadership and regional stability, underlining its active engagement both in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict and to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. (ILKHA)