Erdoğan reiterated his commitment to replace Türkiye’s current post-coup constitution, imposed after the September 12 military regime, with a new, civilian framework. Speaking of the 3rd Legislative Year of the 28th Term of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT) which opened on October 1, he emphasized the need to modernize the Turkish constitution, stating: "We can see clearly each passing day that our current constitution does not fit Türkiye and the Turkish democracy."
Erdoğan called on all political parties to respond constructively to the proposal, reaffirming that neither his party nor the People’s Alliance has any intention of altering the first four clauses of the constitution.
Turning to foreign policy, Erdoğan strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and its expanding aggression in the region. “The fire Israel has started by attacking Gaza is being spread to the entire region by the current government acting with religious fanaticism," Erdoğan stated, adding that the conflict extends beyond Gaza or Hamas, and is part of a broader occupation policy.
Erdoğan also expressed alarm over Israel's recent attacks on Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). He criticized the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, for failing to take decisive action against Israeli aggression. “This is impotence, this is giving in to Israeli aggression,” Erdoğan said, calling for greater international intervention.
He further accused the Israeli government of pursuing Zionist ambitions and warned that these attacks will continue as long as Israel receives unconditional support from the United States and Europe.
Erdoğan raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly Israel’s occupation of the Rafah border crossing, which has severely hindered relief efforts. He pledged that Türkiye would continue its efforts to deliver aid to Gazans, especially as winter approaches.
In addition, Erdoğan highlighted ongoing evacuations of Turkish citizens from Lebanon, noting that Türkiye has delivered 300 tons of aid and evacuated 966 people amid escalating air and ground attacks.
At the conclusion of the press conference, President Erdoğan congratulated economist Daron Acemoğlu for winning the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics, acknowledging his significant achievement. (ILKHA)