ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the international community to take a firm and consistent stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza, emphasizing the need for stronger diplomatic pressure and uninterrupted humanitarian aid access to Gaza.

“I believe that if the international community shows a determined, consistent and sanction-capable will, it can stop Netanyahu,” Erdogan said on his return flight from Johannesburg, South Africa, after attending the G20 leaders’ summit.

About Israel’s breaches of the Gaza ceasefire, he said Hamas “is showing great patience in the face of all these provocations by Israel and is adhering to the ceasefire,” adding that “the full implementation of this ceasefire is essential.”

Erdogan slammed Israel for breaking promises and targeting civilians, and urged all nations to support Palestinians in Gaza. “Ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid access to the region is an urgent necessity,” he said.

He also criticized the UN for failing to act effectively so far and called for stronger UN involvement to address the humanitarian crisis, which has intensified as winter approaches.

Erdogan further emphasized that Israel also knows that every action it takes in the region is both illegal and a source of instability.

“Focus less on what the Israeli press writes and more on what Türkiye is doing. The results will speak for themselves. We act according to our strategic priorities and will continue to do so,” he said.

Russia-Ukraine conflict

Reiterating his country's willingness to help mediate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Erdogan added: “As Türkiye, just as we played an important role earlier in Istanbul, we are ready today to maintain the same constructive stance.”

He said that the 28-point peace plan recently proposed by US President Donald Trump could provide a basis for negotiation if it meets the legitimate expectations and security needs of all parties without creating new instabilities.

A lasting peace requires negotiation on mutually agreed terms, with solutions acceptable to all parties, he noted.

“If a platform is created that satisfies all parties, it opens the door to a lasting solution. Proposals that pave the way for fair and permanent peace should begin with negotiation, which will positively influence the process.”

Regional security

The Turkish president warned that Ankara would act decisively if threatened.

“When it comes to our country’s national security, everyone knows what steps we have taken. If we face a similar danger again, we will do what is necessary,” he added.

Türkiye does not seek to interfere in other nations’ sovereignty but is committed to peace, stability, and security across the region, including in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, he noted.

'Sustainable global growth requires coordinated action'

Erdogan also emphasized the importance of inclusive and sustainable economic development.

He said the G20 leaders' summit’s theme of “leaving no one behind” reflects a broader global quest for justice, noting that the world economy has faced multiple shocks in recent years, from the pandemic to conflicts, trade wars, migration, climate crises, and natural disasters.

“Countries today are highly sensitive to negative developments anywhere in the world. Sustainable global growth cannot be achieved by the efforts of one or two nations alone; it requires coordinated, determined action,” Erdogan said.

Underlining the need for international cooperation and a “win-win” approach in economic relations, he highlighted the strategic importance of energy security and the principle of inclusivity, insisting that “a world where only a few elite nations benefit is neither fair nor sustainable.”

Strategic growth and plans for Türkiye

Erdogan outlined Ankara's strategic priorities amid shifting global alliances, describing the nation as “the rising star of our region and the world.” He said Türkiye is focused on achieving self-reliance, boosting domestic production, and strengthening technological and energy capabilities.

“Our goal is to increase local production capacity in high-tech, energy, and research-development sectors. We produce our own tanks, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles,” Erdogan said.

He also emphasized the importance of preserving family structures and planning for long-term development: “We think not only about today but also 50 or 100 years ahead. The Türkiye we leave to future generations will be far ahead of today’s Türkiye.”