Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extended heartfelt Eid al-Fitr greetings to the nation on Sunday, expressing hope that the holiday would usher in peace and prosperity for Türkiye, the Islamic world, and humanity at large.

In his address, Erdoğan reflected on a Ramadan marked by sorrow due to ongoing regional conflicts, particularly the escalating crisis in Gaza, which he described as a "genocide" reaching alarming dimensions.

"We have unfortunately spent this Ramadan, too, with a heavy heart due to the oppressions, massacres, and sufferings unfolding in various corners of our kindred geography," Erdoğan said, condemning the international community—particularly Western nations—for failing to take concrete action against the atrocities. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of those affected and expressed optimism for a global awakening on the issue in the near future.

The president also touched on developments in neighboring Syria, emphasizing Türkiye’s vigilance in maintaining stability along its southern borders. "We are aware of those seeking to perpetuate instability," he stated, vowing to thwart efforts that undermine Syria’s territorial integrity and national unity.

On the domestic front, Erdoğan reiterated the government’s resolve to achieve a "terror-free Türkiye," urging unnamed organizations to dissolve and disarm in response to a state-issued call. "Our time and patience are not limitless," he warned, highlighting favorable global and regional conditions for ending a 40-year struggle against terrorism.

Erdoğan also provided an update on post-earthquake reconstruction efforts, noting that 201,000 homes have been delivered to survivors two years after the disaster. He pledged to increase this number to 453,000 residential units and workplaces by year’s end, while acknowledging the ongoing challenge of seismic risks, particularly in the Marmara region. He criticized municipal authorities for hindering progress and promised more decisive government action moving forward.

Addressing recent judicial operations targeting corruption, Erdoğan accused certain parties of looting Istanbul’s resources for personal gain, calling it a betrayal of the city’s residents. He urged citizens not to be swayed by attempts to politicize legal processes and warned against efforts to destabilize Türkiye’s economy and security to obscure graft schemes. "We leave those who lose their mind… to the discretion of our beloved nation," he said, thanking Istanbulites for their support amid these developments.

Erdoğan concluded his message by outlining his administration’s commitment to the "Century of Türkiye" vision, encouraging citizens to observe traffic rules during the extended nine-day Ramadan holiday, and wishing for tranquility and peace across the nation and beyond. "Eid Mubarak," he said, closing with a call for continued health and unity. (ILKHA)