14.10.2025 14:31
After the Gaza Peace Summit, President Erdoğan evaluated the agenda during his return and responded to the question of whether Turkish soldiers would be part of the Gaza task force by saying, "Assessments regarding the structure of the task force are currently ongoing." Erdoğan also stated, "The only solution to the Palestinian cause is the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with geographical integrity, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan evaluated the summit to journalists on the plane returning from Egypt. Stating that "Our contributions to the negotiation process were expressed by many heads of state, including U.S. President Mr. Donald Trump," Erdoğan said, "It would be wrong to view the agreement as a document that solves the Palestinian issue. This consensus is essentially a ceasefire arrangement."
Stating that "In our view, the only solution to the Palestinian cause is the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders," President Erdoğan emphasized, "The document agreed upon by Hamas and the Israeli government foresees the passage of a minimum of 600 aid trucks daily. While we are intensively delivering our aid to the Gaza Strip, it is also very important to start work based on the reconstruction plan accepted by Arab and Islamic countries. There are some studies developed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League," he said.
GENERAL EVALUATION We completed our visit to Egypt by participating in the "Sharm el-Sheikh Summit for Peace" at the invitation of U.S. President Mr. Trump. I hope the summit will be a new turning point on the road to peace in the Middle East. We have previously expressed our satisfaction with the indirect talks between Hamas and the Israeli government resulting in a ceasefire in Gaza. Our contributions to the negotiation process were also expressed by many heads of state, including U.S. President Mr. Donald Trump. He suggested signing a declaration to record the role played by Egypt, Qatar, and our country in this process.
It is very important that the reached consensus is implemented in its entirety and that the U.S. maintains its influence over the Israeli government during this process. The recent hostage and prisoner exchange was extremely significant. It would be wrong to view the agreement as a document that solves the Palestinian issue. This consensus is essentially a ceasefire arrangement. In our view, the only solution to the Palestinian cause is the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders. As Turkey, we will continue to work for this with determination. We have a challenging process ahead. First, it must be ensured that the Israeli government keeps its promises. Because the record of the Israeli side in this regard is extremely poor. I believe that actors with influence over Israel, especially the U.S., will continue to do what is necessary.
"THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE HAS BEEN ON HUMANITY'S AGENDA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MANY YEARS" As you know, Gaza has turned into a massive pile of rubble. The people of Gaza are returning to the places they were forcibly removed from, but there are no houses, no hospitals, no schools. There are almost no buildings left standing. Turkey is one of the countries that sends the most humanitarian aid to Gaza, with 102,000 tons. Thank God, in the last few days, around 350 humanitarian aid trucks have entered Gaza. The document agreed upon by Hamas and the Israeli government foresees the passage of a minimum of 600 aid trucks daily. While we are intensively delivering our aid to the Gaza Strip, it is also very important to start work based on the reconstruction plan accepted by Arab and Islamic countries. There are some studies developed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League. Significant financial support is needed for their rapid implementation. I believe that this support will also be provided. At this stage, it is beneficial to increase efforts towards a two-state solution. We want Western countries, especially the United Kingdom and France, to see their decisions to recognize the Palestinian state not as mere recognition decisions but as building blocks for the process leading to a two-state solution. Otherwise, the steps taken will remain incomplete and will not fully achieve their purpose. In this context, I have had discussions with both French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Mr. Keir Starmer. The Palestinian cause has been on humanity's common agenda for the first time in many years. The Sumud and freedom fleets and people wearing keffiyehs in the most remote areas of the world represent a common conscience against Israeli oppression. The calm environment in Gaza should not lead to complacency on the part of humanity.
We have also met with many heads of state and government and representatives at various levels. We shared the issues I just mentioned with them. We exchanged ideas. I hope the summit will be a blessing for our region, especially for our brothers in Gaza. Finally, I pray for God's mercy on our Qatari brothers who came to Sharm el-Sheikh to serve in the preparation of the summit and lost their lives in a traffic accident.
QUESTION: There have been many ceasefire agreements between Hamas and Israel before, but today is very different from the others. There is talk of a very broad international support and international oversight. In previous agreements, Israel was always the violating party. If such a situation occurs this time as well, how do you foresee overcoming this rift? Especially what is your forecast regarding this agreement?
President Erdoğan: First of all, it is important for this ceasefire to be permanent and for violations not to occur. As you know, Israel has a poor record regarding ceasefire violations. This situation forces us to be more cautious and meticulous. Turkey, the U.S., and other countries are determined to protect this ceasefire. If it returns to genocide, Israel knows that the cost will be heavy. We express this openly at every opportunity. Many agreements made in the past remained on paper. This was unfortunately due to Israel's ambiguous attitude, as well as the lack of sufficient determination. Now there is a stronger and joint will. We saw this common stance once again at the summit in Egypt. I believe that Mr. Trump will continue to support this process he has led. These developments have now become the hope and wish of not only us but also the countries and peoples we walk together with. No one can accept a return to the past. Because this ceasefire has been secured by the conscience and common sense of societies.
QUESTION: You mentioned in your speech that Turkey is the country that provides the most aid. In fact, it does this not only here but in many parts of the world, but after a while, when public interest wanes, unfortunately, there is a decrease in aid. However, there is almost a need for everything in Gaza. Does Turkey have a long-term plan in this regard? How will these aids be provided? On the one hand, there are some controls by Israel over the aid.
We are curious about your plan regarding this issue?
President Erdoğan: Turkey is not just a great state; it is actually the conscience of humanity. Our hand reaches out wherever there is an oppressed person in the world. Even while the Israeli attacks continue, we have sent our aid to the region. We filled the warehouses in Egypt; we did not wait. Since the ceasefire began, a total of 350 trucks have entered Gaza. We are not only sending food, water, and medicine there. At the same time, we are sending brotherhood, we are sending hope. Medicines and shelter materials are being quickly dispatched to the region. We are in search of how we can quickly eliminate the effects of this humanitarian disaster. Despite all obstacles, we currently have stored around 10,000 tents in the region with our AFAD. The reconstruction of Gaza is extremely important. We will work tirelessly to meet the shelter needs of Gazans before winter arrives. Of course, I would like to thank the Turkish Red Crescent. I thank our AFAD, our TIKA, and our Ministry of Health. All of them continue to work in a coordinated manner with our civil society organizations. We will not only heal the wounds there. At the same time, we will build the future. For this, we are bringing the injured to our centers, especially our city hospitals in Ankara, for their treatment. If they want to be sent to Istanbul, our city hospitals in Istanbul are also at the service of our brothers. We are ready to carry out these activities there as well.
QUESTION: Turkey has been playing an active role in ensuring peace and stability in a very wide geography from the Caucasus to North Africa, Somalia, the Balkans, and Ukraine in recent years. In the same way, under your leadership, Turkey has made the most sincere initiatives in the last two years regarding Gaza and has also led a ceasefire. How will the process and the next stages in Gaza shape up from now on?
President Erdoğan: We have implemented a four-party signature application with U.S. President Mr. Trump, Egyptian President Mr. Sisi, Qatari Emir Mr. Al Thani, and myself. The signatures we have put down are not ordinary. With these signatures, the will for peace has now been recorded in the annals of history. If you wish, let’s read the text we signed:
"Trump Agreement for Lasting Peace and Prosperity. We, the undersigned, welcome the historic commitment shown by all parties to the Trump Peace Agreement, which opens a new chapter defined by a common vision for hope, security, peace, and prosperity, ending the deep pain and losses that have lasted for over two years. We support and stand behind President Trump's sincere efforts to end the Gaza conflict and bring lasting peace to the Middle East. We will implement this agreement together in a way that provides peace, security, stability, and opportunity for all peoples in the region, including Palestinians and Israelis. We understand that lasting peace will be a settlement in which both Palestinians and Israelis can live in prosperity, where fundamental human rights are protected, their security is guaranteed, and their dignity is preserved. We emphasize that meaningful progress can only be achieved through cooperation and ongoing dialogue, and that strengthening the bonds between nations and peoples serves the lasting interests of regional and global peace and stability. We are aware of the deep historical and spiritual significance of this region for intertwined faith communities, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Respect for these sacred ties and the protection of cultural heritage areas will continue to be a fundamental priority of our commitment to live together in peace. We are united in our determination to eliminate all forms of extremism and radicalization. No society can develop where violence and racism are normalized or where radical ideologies threaten the fabric of civil life. We commit to addressing the conditions that enable extremism and to supporting education, equal opportunity, and mutual respect as the foundations of lasting peace. On this occasion, we commit to resolving future disputes not through the use of force or prolonged conflicts, but through diplomatic contacts and negotiations. We are aware that the Middle East can no longer bear the cycle of continuous wars, stalled negotiations, or agreements that have been successfully negotiated but are implemented in a fragmented, incomplete, or selective manner. The tragedies witnessed in the last two years should serve as an urgent reminder that future generations deserve better than the failures of the past. We want this region to be a place where everyone, regardless of race, faith, or ethnic origin, can pursue their desires for peace, security, and economic prosperity, fostering tolerance, dignity, and equal opportunity for all. We are pursuing a comprehensive vision of peace, security, and common prosperity based on the principles of mutual respect and common destiny in the region. In this understanding, we welcome the progress made towards establishing comprehensive and lasting peace arrangements in the Gaza Strip, as well as the friendly and mutually beneficial relationship between Israel and its neighbors in the region. We promise to work together to realize and sustain this legacy by building institutional foundations where future generations can live together in peace. We are committed to a future of lasting peace."
QUESTION: Will Mehmetçik be part of the task force in Gaza?
President Erdoğan: Evaluations regarding the structure of the task force are currently ongoing. There are very critical tasks that need to be done in Gaza. Both construction and rehabilitation issues are important. We discussed the topic of "Who can take on a role with us?" regarding construction works. We want and will seek support from all, from Gulf countries to America and European countries. In the rehabilitation matter, we also discussed the topic of "What can we do together?" in the bilateral meetings we held with leaders. The first impressions we received are not bad. They also say, "We will take on our role here." God willing, the promises made will be fulfilled. Our Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, our Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, and our MIT President İbrahim Kalın, among others, will meet with their counterparts. I will also be in contact with the leaders. We will focus on "How can we manage this process?" Right now, there are tents there. Surely, these people cannot live in tents permanently.
I've told my friends as well. "If necessary, let's send the existing containers we have to the region," I said. We think that with these containers this winter season, we can provide them with a much different opportunity. Our AFAD will carry a significant burden in this regard. Turkey stands for peace and will conduct this process accordingly. We are extremely excited about establishing a peace arrangement in Gaza. God willing, we will continue this swiftly. Here, my Foreign Minister and my Intelligence Chief are continuing their discussions with the relevant parties in the region. They are working on what we can do together and how we can do it.
QUESTION: You emphasized that there will be no trust in Israel. Unfortunately, it is not a reliable party. An important threshold has been crossed, and the process ahead will be more challenging. If there is a violation during this process, can a mechanism be established to force Israel to remain in the agreement with another excuse and justification for another attack? How can the United Nations Security Council or another formula proceed?
President Erdoğan: God willing, as of now, the conflicts in Gaza have come to an end. The fact that this has been announced by Mr. Trump is very, very important. Mr. Trump will be the primary follower of this issue. He expressed this in our discussions. Just before leaving, he also said, "Whatever I need to do in this process, let's establish our communication by phone and not neglect our telephone diplomacy." We will continue our discussions at every level. The diplomacy we have established with Mr. Trump is very, very important. God willing, we will continue this with sensitivity and do whatever is necessary to create a climate of peace. All the countries that came together in Egypt will be the guarantee of this climate of peace.
QUESTION: Mr. President, does this historic summit have the potential to put a stop to the genocidal aggression of Israel that we have witnessed over the last two years, its attempts to expand its territory, and its occupying attitude? In other words, has this historic summit restrained Israel, which has bombed every place from Lebanon to Syria? Will it be able to restrain it? Does it carry this quality?
President Erdoğan: We were at this Summit to say "stop" to the years-long Israeli aggression, occupation policies, and ambitions that have dragged the region into instability. We displayed a stance that defends not only our country's but also humanity's conscience against Israeli terrorism and displays of power. We came to Egypt for this reason. The Gaza experience clearly showed Israel that it cannot achieve anything through aggression. They also saw that Hamas's will to resist has not been broken. This is very, very important. The people of Gaza have lost nearly 70,000 martyrs, but they did not surrender to occupation, genocide, or barbarism. This is very significant. It shows that simply dropping bombs from the sky continuously does not work. "Faith is that essence which is divine, how great it is. A heart without faith is a burden in the chest." This is a different spirit. It is very clear that Israel cannot achieve any results by occupying its neighbors. The efforts of the Netanyahu government to associate anti-genocide reactions with anti-Semitism have also proven to be fruitless here. With the ceasefire, the international community's duty has not ended; it has just begun. What happened in the United Nations General Assembly? Everyone left the hall, and Netanyahu spoke to the empty chairs. We must continue to stand stronger alongside Gaza. We must continue our struggle to ensure that genocide is not forgotten. We must increase our efforts to hold the responsible parties accountable. As Turkey, we will continue to be the conscience of all humanity.
QUESTION: Mr. President, I have a question regarding the SDG. There have been reports that the integration with the Syrian army will begin soon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also had some contacts. The SDG has also been in contact in Damascus. Do you evaluate and think about how soon this integration will take place? What are your expectations? Will the integration happen all at once, or will it be a gradual transition process? Can I have your thoughts on this issue?
President Erdoğan: Our comprehensive contacts with Syria continue at every level and in every area. We are determined to strengthen close coordination and cooperation to protect Syria's and the region's gains. There is no situation where we would leave President Ahmed Shara and his friends alone. We frequently warn the SDG not to engage in wrong paths and to support Syria's unity and integrity. We hope they adopt a stance that will lead to Syria's territorial integrity and a prosperous future together. The integration of the SDG with Syria will accelerate Syria's development efforts. We appreciate the Syrian administration's approach to moving forward with an understanding that encompasses all ethnic and religious elements of the country. This is in the interest of both Syria and Turkey. Those who are trying to drag Syria back into conflict do not wish well for either the Kurds, the Druze, or the Alawites. As I said in the Battle of Malazgirt, those who turn their direction towards Ankara and Damascus will win, while those seeking other patrons will lose.
QUESTION: Mr. President, my question is in the context of domestic and foreign policy. Can the CHP's call to the EU countries and holding a rally in Brussels, citing corruption investigations, be considered an attempt to damage Turkey's international reputation? Most importantly, is the CHP seeking legitimacy in Europe that it cannot find among the Turkish people? Additionally, there is another related question. Mr. Özel made a threat by pointing out some European politicians who do not support them in Brussels, saying, "We are taking note of them." How do you evaluate this?
President Erdoğan: Friends, the CHP does not surprise us. These are things we are used to from the CHP. In the past, they always sought the response they could not find from their own people in foreign lands. Even the cadres managing the CHP have difficulty understanding what the CHP is doing and planning. The situation of the municipalities they have dropped is evident. It is clear what they have done to the municipalities with their incompetence. I said in Trabzon, they are organizing complaint tours abroad. Can there be such disgrace? Actually, we would expect Mr. Özel to apologize to the European Turks. You know, two months ago, a member of parliament referred to our expatriates as "zırzop." There has been no statement or correction from the CHP management on this matter. Since you went to Brussels, at least apologize for this. Mr. Özel not only failed to show this virtue; he also committed a much greater scandal by having his comrades boo the President of Turkey. It is truly very unfortunate. While they are producing words in Brussels, we are producing works in Anatolia. At that time, I was in Rize, and on the other side, I was inaugurating projects in Trabzon.
This weekend, we traveled around those places for 4 days. I explored the streams of Rize, we reviewed all those locations, and enjoyed the experience with my friends who were with me. By continuously traveling around our country, we hope to continue to integrate with our people.
QUESTION: With the emergence of corruption in some municipalities, discussions about authority are very much on the agenda. There are talks about preparing a regulation to prevent the waste of the people's money. At what stage is this, what would you like to say about this issue?
President Erdoğan: Our laws already have the necessary regulations regarding such corruption, theft, and embezzlement situations. At this point, as soon as there is any arrest warrant issued by the judiciary, our judiciary will take the necessary action. This is also included in the local government law. All of these are already illegal. The laws will be enforced at any moment regarding these matters, and we will definitely take action against them. Because municipalities are the first step in serving the people directly. These positions exist to serve the people; not for profit, corruption, or waste.
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