President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for Gaza and Palestine, declaring that Ankara has not abandoned the Palestinian people and will continue to stand by them in the future.

Speaking to reporters after performing Friday prayers at the Hz. Ali Mosque in Istanbul, President Erdoğan addressed questions on regional developments, including Türkiye’s stance on Palestine and recent diplomatic efforts.

Commenting on the large rally held in Istanbul a day earlier to show solidarity with Palestine, Erdoğan described the gathering at Galata Bridge as a historic moment. “As we are entering the new year, we all witnessed a historic moment at Galata Bridge. This clearly shows that Palestine is not alone,” he said. “Palestine has always been the apple of our eye. Israel will not get away with its hostility.”

The president emphasized that Türkiye has consistently supported Gaza and Palestine and will continue to do so. “As Türkiye, we have not left Gaza alone so far; we have not left Palestine alone. Nor will we leave Gaza or Palestine alone in the future,” Erdoğan said. He added that Türkiye, together with the Islamic world, would continue to stand by Palestine and Gaza “with everything in our power” and maintain strong solidarity.

Erdoğan strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing him of committing grave injustices. “This pharaoh called Netanyahu will not get away with what he has done,” he said. “He has earned the wrath of countless victims from all ages. The curse of those children will not go unanswered.”

Referring to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, Erdoğan highlighted the plight of displaced Palestinians living in makeshift shelters. “Netanyahu will not escape the curse of those children living in conditions that resemble anything but tents—mud-soaked shelters battered by wind and rain, as we see on television screens,” he said.

The Turkish president also criticized Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid, noting that Türkiye has sought to send container housing units to Gaza. “We want to send containers, but he does not allow it. His permission is required,” Erdoğan said. “We have the containers ready, but we cannot send them because permission is denied.”

Stressing that such housing units could spare Palestinians from living in tents, Erdoğan said Türkiye would persist in its efforts. “Sooner or later, we will rid these oppressed people of this suffering,” he stated.

President Erdoğan also addressed questions regarding international diplomacy, including the Russia-Ukraine war. He said he continues to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, former US President Donald Trump, and European leaders.

He noted that a summit of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” will take place in Paris later this week, with Türkiye’s foreign minister attending on his behalf. Erdoğan also announced plans for a phone call with Trump on Monday afternoon to discuss developments related to Russia, Ukraine, and Palestine.

Türkiye has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unhindered humanitarian access, and a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, while maintaining its diplomatic and humanitarian engagement on multiple regional crises. (ILKHA)