Speaking via a video message to the International Humanitarian Aid Summit on the “Future of Gaza,” hosted by the Al-Khair Foundation (AKF) and the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, Erdoğan called for an end to occupation and atrocities in Palestine.

“Nearly 50,000 of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, most of them children and women, have been martyred as the whole world watched,” President Erdoğan said, condemning Israeli airstrikes. “Places of worship, schools, hospitals, and all civilian infrastructure have been targeted. More than 100,000 innocent Palestinians have been wounded.”

Erdoğan urged Islamic nations to act collectively, stating that Türkiye is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to foster joint action. “We persist in our talks to ensure that Islamic countries respond collectively to the oppression in Gaza and to urge joint action,” he said. “We will continue our struggle until an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem (al-Quds) as its capital and territorial integrity based on the 1967 borders is established.”

Highlighting Türkiye’s solidarity with Palestinians, Erdoğan noted that over the past year, the country has delivered more than 86,000 tonnes of aid to Gaza and over 1,300 tonnes to Lebanon, both of which have faced devastating attacks. “Türkiye stands in full solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters,” he stated, commending the efforts of the summit’s organizers and participants.

Erdoğan concluded his address by expressing hope that the summit would galvanize further support for the reconstruction and development of Gaza. “I believe that the international humanitarian summit will help us in this struggle,” he said, offering his gratitude to attendees and organizers alike.

The International Humanitarian Aid Summit aims to address the challenges faced by Gaza and develop strategies for its future recovery, with participation from various Islamic organizations and international stakeholders. (ILKHA)