ISTANBUL 

Noting that rebuilding Gaza will not be an easy task, Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara will "take this step together with the Gulf countries."

“We will rebuild Gaza together. This is not something that Türkiye, Egypt, or other Gulf countries can do alone. It requires a coordinated, collective effort, and we have held comprehensive discussions at every stage,” Erdogan told reporters on his return flight from a Gulf tour on Friday.

Calling the situation in Gaza a “test” for the Muslim world, Erdogan expressed hope that they will pass it “honorably and stand firmly with our brothers in Gaza.”

Touching on destruction in Gaza’s infrastructure, caused by Israel, Erdogan underlined the importance of extensive excavation and reconstruction work to repair the damage.

Erdogan said talks are underway on the multifaceted Gaza task force, expressing Türkiye's readiness to provide Gaza with all necessary support.

Israel must be pressured with sanctions and arms bans to keep its promises, the president said.

“As Türkiye, we are doing our utmost to support a ceasefire. Hamas is adhering to the ceasefire and has clearly expressed its commitment. Israel, however, continues to violate it. The international community, especially the US, must make greater efforts to ensure Israel fully complies. Adequate diplomatic pressure on Israel is essential,” Erdogan said.

“Gaza will rise again; there is no doubt about that,” he vowed.

Noting the importance of uninterrupted aid access to Gaza, Erdogan said that Türkiye has never stopped and will never stop sending aid to Gaza via Egypt.

Stating that the 17th Goodness Ship recently arrived at Egypt’s Al Arish Port, Erdogan added that nothing “could be more natural than helping them,” emphasizing: “It is now time for action, not words.”

The first phase of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire deal went into effect on Oct. 10. Phase one includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The plan also envisages the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

Since October 2023, Israel’s genocidal war has killed over 68,200 people and injured more than 170,300, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Regarding his visit to Oman, Erdogan announced that Turkish citizens will be able to visit the Gulf country without a visa for a limited time beginning November 1.

Türkiye’s Eurofighter procurement

Noting that he discussed Eurofighter jet purchases with Qatar and Oman, Erdogan said the talks, which involve many technical details, are "progressing positively."

The Turkish Air Force will become much stronger with the procurement of Eurofighter jets, he said, stressing the importance of purchasing the Europe-made fighter jets.

Eurofighter Typhoon jets are currently used by five European countries—the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Austria—and four Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar.

On July 23, Türkiye and the UK signed a memorandum of understanding allowing Ankara to operate Eurofighter Typhoon fighter planes. The agreement came after Germany’s Security Council approved the sale of 40 Eurofighter jets.

Türkiye wishes Budapest meeting could have happened

On ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which will mark its fourth anniversary next February, Erdogan praised Türkiye’s role in promoting peace, saying it “has once again become clear,” referring to meetings held in Istanbul.

Expressing Ankara’s readiness to host peace efforts, Erdogan said that Türkiye wishes the meeting in Budapest could have taken place. The Budapest meeting was a planned high-level summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to advance Ukraine peace talks, which was postponed after Moscow rejected an immediate ceasefire.

“We believe that any dialogue that can end this war is valuable. From the beginning, we have advocated for this, worked toward it, and emphasized that a just peace is possible.

“We maintain good relations with both sides, earning the trust of each, which gives us an advantage in promoting peace, and we are determined to use this for the benefit of humanity,” he added.

In a phone call on Oct. 16, Putin and Trump discussed the possibility of holding another face-to-face meeting and agreed that representatives from both sides will immediately begin preparing for a summit, with Budapest as a potential venue, according to a Putin aide.

Elections in Turkish Northern Cyprus

Noting that the recent election in the Turkish Northern Cyprus Republic was “significant,” Erdogan said that Ankara “deeply respects” the will of the Turkish Cypriots.

“We cannot and will not turn a blind eye to Northern Cyprus,” he vowed.

Touching upon the expected visit from the newly elected government of Northern Cyprus, Erdogan said that “if this visit takes place by the weekend,” they will discuss bilateral relations in detail.

“Last year, we facilitated visas for Omani citizens, and Oman has reciprocated during this visit. From November 1, our citizens will be able to visit Oman visa-free for a limited period.”

Tufan Erhurman, the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has won the presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with 62.76% of the vote, according to preliminary results announced by the electoral authority on Sunday evening. Erhurman defeated incumbent President Ersin Tatar, who received 35.81% of the vote.

Voter turnout in the presidential election was 64.87%, the Supreme Election Board of Northern Cyprus said.

Following the election results, Erhurman said: “Foreign policy will naturally be conducted in close consultation with Türkiye—let there be no doubt about that.”