THE HAGUE – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday welcomed the newly declared ceasefire between Iran and Israel, urging both countries to fully comply with the appeal made by what he called “my friend, President Donald Trump.”
Speaking at a press conference after the NATO summit in The Hague, Erdogan revealed that Türkiye had played an active diplomatic role since the beginning of the Iran-Israel hostilities, which he said “posed serious risks to the entire region.”
“Lasting peace with Iran can only be achieved through diplomacy and dialogue,” Erdogan stated. “Our region offers countless examples that war and destruction solve nothing.”
He voiced hope that the fragile ceasefire could evolve into long-term regional calm, adding: “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure peace in the Middle East.”
Erdogan Condemns Gaza Strikes: “Catastrophe in the Making”
The Turkish leader also issued a sharp rebuke of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, calling them a humanitarian disaster. He accused the Israeli government of deliberately blocking aid and escalating a crisis that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives.
“Palestinians have been under attack for the last three years,” Erdogan said, adding that over 56,000 people – mostly women and children – have been killed, and that 80% of Gaza now lies in ruins.
He appealed to the global community:
“Anyone with a shred of conscience cannot remain silent. I urge all who value human life to speak out against this oppression.”
Erdogan further warned that Israel’s actions were not only destabilizing Gaza, but threatening broader regional stability — including Israel’s own.
“Israel’s security is tied to the peace, prosperity, and stability of its neighbors,” he said. “By fueling war, they’re also endangering their own people.”
