President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared that Türkiye, along with regional and international partners, has taken a historic step toward ending what he called the “Gaza genocide,” emphasizing that the joint declaration signed in Sharm el-Sheikh represents a potential turning point for lasting peace in the region.

Speaking at the AK Party Directorate of Economic Affairs Training Programme in Ankara, Erdoğan underscored Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause and its determination to hold Israel accountable for the atrocities committed during the past two years of aggression on Gaza.

“Yesterday, we took an important step to stop the Gaza genocide, the deepest wound bleeding for two years in our region,” Erdoğan said. “As leaders, we displayed a strong will in Sharm el-Sheikh. I hope that the declaration we jointly signed will serve as a new milestone on the path to lasting peace in our region.”

The declaration, signed by Erdoğan, U.S. President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, came amid renewed global focus on the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and growing calls for accountability for Israel’s crimes.

Erdoğan praised the ceasefire as a result of “intense diplomacy and collective conscience,” noting that Türkiye has consistently called for an immediate end to the occupation, unrestricted humanitarian access, and international recognition of Palestinian statehood.

“Praise be to Allah, today children in Gaza are smiling, even if with heavy hearts,” Erdoğan continued. “Aid workers are praying in gratitude. Mothers are able to let their children go out to the streets without the fear of bombs falling on them. Even seeing these alone is a source of joy for us.”

Under Erdoğan’s leadership, Türkiye has been at the forefront of international diplomacy aimed at ending Israel’s brutal assault on Gaza. Turkish officials have consistently condemned Tel Aviv’s actions as “state terrorism” and “a crime against humanity,” while calling for the perpetrators to face trial in international courts.

Ankara has also mobilized significant humanitarian support, coordinating with Qatar, Egypt, and the United Nations to deliver food, medical supplies, and fuel to Gaza’s devastated population. Turkish NGOs, including AFAD, IHH, and the Turkish Red Crescent, have been among the key actors in relief operations.

Political observers see the Sharm el-Sheikh declaration as a pivotal moment. The agreement not only formalized the ceasefire but also outlined commitments for reconstruction, humanitarian access, and the establishment of an international monitoring mechanism to prevent future Israeli violations.

For Erdoğan, the outcome reflects the triumph of diplomacy rooted in moral responsibility. “Our struggle for Palestine is not only political but humanitarian and spiritual,” he said. “We will not rest until the Palestinian people live freely in their own state, with Al-Quds as its eternal capital.”

The ceasefire and Erdoğan’s remarks have been widely welcomed across the Muslim world. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) praised Türkiye’s role in “defending the oppressed and facilitating peace,” while Palestinian factions in Gaza expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s steadfast support.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement: “President Erdoğan’s words echo the voice of every free Muslim. Türkiye’s unwavering stance gives strength to our people, reminding the world that Palestine is not alone.”

As Gaza begins to emerge from the ruins of bombardment, the humanitarian challenges remain immense — but for the first time in years, there is a sense of hope. The Turkish president’s message captures that sentiment: a call for justice, reconstruction, and an end to the decades-long oppression of the Palestinian people. (ILKHA)