Erdoğan offers mediation amid Israel-Hamas tensions

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for immediate action to address the escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine, expressing Türkiye's readiness to "mediate and facilitate dialogue between the conflicting parties, including advocating for a prisoner exchange."

"The deepening problems in the region are a consequence of the international community's inability to implement decisions taken by the United Nations and other organizations regarding Palestine," Erdoğan stated in his address to the media after the cabinet meeting in the capital Ankara late on Oct. 9 in Ankara.

Türkiye diplomatic relations with Israel, although occasionally interrupted, have endured since the establishment of Israel in 1949, Erdoğan underlined, reiterating that sustainable peace in the region, however, is contingent on the creation of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with geographical integrity.

Erdoğan condemned the "injustices and oppression faced by the Palestinian people," as well as violations against the sanctity of Jerusalem, home to holy sites of three major religions, including the Masjid al-Aqsa.

Highlighting the importance of upholding moral and ethical standards in times of conflict, Erdoğan stated, "War, too, has etiquette and morality, and all parties involved are obligated to adhere to them. We firmly believe that a just peace benefits everyone, and descending into a spiral of violence will only bring additional suffering."

Erdoğan called upon the Israeli government to halt its bombardments of Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza, and urged the Palestinians to cease harassment of civilian settlements in Israel, viewing this as a moderate step toward achieving peace.

The president revealed that diplomatic efforts, ongoing for some time and recently intensified, have been productive. He had phone conversations with Palestinian and Israeli counterparts, Mahmud Abbas and Isaac Herzog, respectively. During these conversations, Erdoğan expressed deep sorrow for civilian casualties and pledged Türkiye's readiness to end the hostilities and restore peace swiftly.

In addition, Erdoğan also held talks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Lebanese Prime Minister Necib Mikati and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim to explore strategies for ending the bloodshed.

Erdoğan concluded by announcing preparations for the provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, emphasizing Türkiye's intentions to assist those in need during this critical time.