At a press conference following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

Referring to the recent Group of Parliaments in Support of Palestine meeting on April 18, Erdoğan stated, “Just like East al-Quds and the West Bank, Gaza, too, belongs to the Palestinian people.” He expressed solidarity with Gazans, affirming their right to remain in their homeland, despite ongoing challenges.

Erdoğan highlighted the severe hardships faced in Gaza, describing the last 18 months as marked by both horrific violence and remarkable resistance. “Nothing can be achieved by shedding further blood, by killing more children, or by leaving people without food, water, or medication,” he stated, urging global leaders to act prudently for the stability of the region. He reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to fostering peace and security for all peoples in the area.

During the press conference, Erdoğan also addressed broader regional conflicts, particularly the tensions between Pakistan and India. He called for immediate de-escalation to prevent conflicts from worsening and reassured that Türkiye is actively monitoring the situation through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In addition, President Erdoğan expressed condolences to Iran for the victims of a recent explosion in Bandar Abbas and announced his upcoming visit to Italy for the 4th Türkiye-Italy Intergovernmental Summit. He also mentioned plans to travel to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to inaugurate new projects and engage with youth at TEKNOFEST.

Finally, Erdoğan discussed the recent 6.2-magnitude earthquake in Istanbul, calling for urgent preparations to ensure the city is ready for future seismic events. “It is now time to produce solutions, not excuses,” he urged, emphasizing the need for collective action in earthquake preparedness. (ILKHA)