Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan urged leaders at the NATO summit on Wednesday to make the ceasefire between Israel and Iran permanent, his office said. Additionally, he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis there.
Turkey’s Criticism of Israel, Concerns Over Iran
NATO member Turkey has strongly criticized Israel’s relentless assault against Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza over the past two years. This prolonged conflict has ultimately reduced Gaza to rubble and displaced its population.
Furthermore, Ankara has criticized Israel’s actions against Iran, calling it ‘state terrorism’ and warning of a wider conflict risk due to their shared 560-kilometer border. Nevertheless, Turkey welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
At the NATO summit in The Hague, Erdogan discussed regional tensions, bilateral ties, EU relations, and defense cooperation with leaders from France, Germany, and Britain. Moreover, he held a significant meeting with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening to discuss further collaborations.
Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid in Gaza
Erdogan’s office stated after his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron that he welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. He emphasized the urgent need to transform the current situation into lasting calm promptly. Additionally, he highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressing the urgent requirement for a lasting ceasefire there immediately.
Erdogan reiterated this call to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stressing the necessity of finding a solution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Moreover, Erdogan told British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the tensions must not overshadow the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has reached disastrous levels.
Erdogan firmly stated that diplomatic efforts are the only viable solution to the ongoing problems between Tehran and Washington. He strongly emphasized that everyone must actively contribute to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
At a press conference following the summit, Erdogan openly expressed his gratitude for the ceasefire achieved through US President Trump’s relentless efforts. Finally, he clearly expected all parties involved to unconditionally adhere to Trump’s urgent call for peace.
