President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s steadfast solidarity with the people of Gaza during remarks made following the Presidential Cabinet meeting, highlighting the nation’s ongoing humanitarian efforts and unwavering political stance in support of Palestinian independence.

Speaking about the suffering endured by Gaza’s civilians under the Israeli blockade and bombardment, Erdoğan said: “What has been experienced in Gaza is known best by the oppressed people of Gaza themselves. These are joys we cannot fully comprehend — only watch and try to imagine.”

The president described the recent scenes of relief in Gaza as a moment of rare hope amid devastation, noting that for the first time in two years, children’s faces have lit up with smiles as families begin returning to areas from which they had been forcibly displaced.

“Our brothers and sisters in Gaza are flooding back to the places from which they were forcibly displaced. Amid the ruins, people are trying to rebuild their lives, holding on to whatever belongings they can find,” he said.

Emphasizing Türkiye’s continued logistical and humanitarian support for Gaza, Erdoğan announced that nearly 350 trucks carrying aid have entered the enclave so far, with more than 400 additional trucks waiting at the border for entry clearance.

He also confirmed that Türkiye’s 17th “Goodness” (İyilik) vessel, carrying 900 tons of humanitarian supplies, was dispatched to Gaza this week.

“More will follow,” Erdoğan stated. “Inshallah, we will intensify our humanitarian aid before winter sets in.”

The president underlined that Türkiye’s aid efforts are motivated purely by humanitarian concern, not by publicity or political gain.

“We will continue to stand by Gaza and its oppressed people without making it a show or seeking publicity, unlike others,” he said, in an implicit reference to nations using Gaza aid for diplomatic optics.

Erdoğan once again stressed that Türkiye’s support will remain firm until the Palestinian people achieve their long-sought independence.

“This struggle will not slow down until an independent State of Palestine is established based on the 1967 borders,” he declared.

Türkiye has been one of the most outspoken supporters of Palestine on the international stage, consistently calling for a permanent ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, and accountability for Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

The president’s remarks reaffirm Türkiye’s intention to continue its humanitarian and diplomatic campaign to alleviate the suffering in Gaza and advance the cause of Palestinian statehood, as the besieged enclave struggles to recover from the destruction inflicted during two years of Israeli aggression. (ILKHA)