The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has sparked a global outcry, with countries around the world expressing their views on the conflict. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Israel, calling for an end to the fighting and emphasizing the importance of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state. Erdogan made it clear that once the war is over, Gaza must be part of this independent state, and Turkey will not support any plans that erase Palestinians from history.
Support for Two-State Solution
Turkey has long supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Erdogan reasserted this position, stating that he wants to see Gaza as a peaceful region within an independent Palestinian state. He emphasized the need for this state to have its capital in East Jerusalem and territorial integrity based on the 1967 borders. Erdogan’s stance aligns with the international consensus on resolving the conflict and finding a sustainable solution.
Call for Immediate Ceasefire
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies, Erdogan has called for an immediate ceasefire. Turkey has offered to establish a system to guarantee the ceasefire and contribute to bringing peace and calm to the region. The Turkish president’s appeal for an end to the violence reflects the growing concern for the lives and well-being of the Palestinian people. Erdogan’s government has also been actively involved in diplomatic efforts, with Turkish intelligence engaging with Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as well as Hamas.
While Erdogan maintains that Turkey does not want to sever ties with Israel, he made it clear that he no longer considers Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a counterpart. This shift in attitude highlights his strong criticism of the Israeli government’s actions during the conflict. Turkey’s stance on the conflict differs from that of the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western countries, as it does not view Hamas as a terrorist organization. Instead, Turkey hosts members of Hamas and plays a diplomatic role in engaging with the Palestinian group.
The crisis in Gaza has ignited worldwide protests, with individuals and communities expressing solidarity with the Palestinians. Major cities in Europe, Washington D.C., and New York witnessed massive demonstrations calling for an end to the war and demanding a ceasefire. Protesters also called on governments, including the United States, to stop providing military aid to Israel. These protests highlight the growing recognition of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for international action to protect Palestinian rights.
President Joe Biden has expressed that there have been some advances in the United States’ attempts to persuade Israel to pause its military strikes on Gaza for humanitarian reasons. This follows U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s discussions with his Arab counterparts, where they disagreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire. Blinken emphasized supporting a temporary pause to allow aid to reach civilians in Gaza, while also expressing concerns about leaving Hamas in power.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s firm stance on Gaza being part of an independent Palestinian state echoes the international support for a two-state solution. Erdogan’s call for an immediate ceasefire and his engagement with Israeli and Palestinian authorities demonstrate Turkey’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The global protests demanding an end to the war and the growing recognition of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza highlight the urgency for international action. As the international community continues to grapple with the ongoing conflict, finding a just and lasting solution remains paramount for the well-being and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.