On his return flight from Kazakhstan, where he attended the 10th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Organisation of Turkic States, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered the questions of journalists and said, referring to the Western world that supports Israel, "The dungeons in which they confine their consciences will be walls of disgrace for them in the future."
Stating that they have successfully completed the 10th Meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States, President Erdoğan recalled that the Turkic world initiated the process of the Summits of Heads of Turkic Speaking States in 1992. President Erdoğan stated that they gradually developed this initiative into the Organisation of Turkic States through their combined efforts.
President Erdoğan noted that following the earthquakes of February 6, an extraordinary summit was held in Ankara in March with the participation of all member and observer states at the highest level and said, "We once again demonstrated the strong solidarity among the Turkic world with this summit. I would like to express our gratitude once again to our brothers and sisters who came to our aid following the devastating earthquake. We have never forgotten and will never forget this solidarity displayed in those trying times."
Concerning the mining accident that occurred in Kazakhstan's Karaganda region last week, President Erdoğan wished Allah's mercy upon the victims, conveyed his condolences to their families and the entire Kazakh nation, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
President Erdoğan emphasised that it is a source of pride for them that the Organisation of Turkic States has rapidly institutionalised and become a regional structure closely followed in the international arena. President Erdoğan also thanked everyone who contributed, especially President Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev of Kazakhstan, for hosting the event successfully as well as the kind reception shown to him and the delegation.
President Erdoğan expressed his belief that Kazakhstan, which has assumed the term presidency of the organisation as of November 3, will carry out this task in the best way and stated that, at the summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan was conferred with the Supreme Order of the Turkic World in recognition of the significant contributions to the unity and solidarity of the Turkic world.
Stating that various documents that will bolster the institutionalisation of the organisation were signed at the summit, President Erdoğan continued his remarks:
"Our organization's motto 'our unity is our strength' has thus been reinforced and strengthened. We also discussed the status of ongoing projects at the summit. We made decisions to identify new areas of cooperation. We are committed to maintaining our efforts in areas such as the economy, trade, mutual investments, transportation, and energy in order to boost the prosperity of our region. Our road map in the field of transportation will expedite the economic and social integration of the Turkic world by paving the way for regional economic growth."
"We will continue to work for the unity and peace of the Turkic world"
President Erdoğan underlined that the human tragedy in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, was placed on the agenda of the summit, and he said, "We have exchanged views on how we can put an end to the bloodshed and contribute to lasting peace. As brotherly states, we have agreed to strengthen our cooperation and solidarity in the international arena. We have agreed that the next summit will be held in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2024."
Referring to his bilateral meetings with the leaders of the participating countries at the summit, President Erdoğan said, '"I hope that all the meetings we held in Kazakhstan will lead to auspicious outcomes. We will continue to work for the Turkic world's unity and peace under the motto of unity in language, thought, and action, which also serves as the pillar of our Century of Türkiye vision."
''Karabakh was the most visible manifestation of this to the rest of the world''
Answering the question of the journalists following his remarks, President Erdoğan was asked, ''The main theme of this year's meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States was 'Turktime'. What role will the 'Turktime' theme play in the new global power map?" Erdoğan replied:
"As you are aware, there has been a global systemic crisis for many years. In the face of this systemic crisis, we, as the Turkic states, said, ''Let's take such a step that will establish a unity of power among the Turkic states.' This unity of power should also include political, military, economic, and commercial aspects.' We were already united in our cultures. We wondered, 'How can we achieve this?'. It was suggested that 'this could only be possible if the existing Turkic states are united.' and necessary steps were taken. Praise be to Allah; with these steps, we have laid the groundwork for cooperation and harmony among the Turkic states.
Indicating that the spirit of solidarity and unity among the Turkic states has been expanding in all the specified areas, President Erdoğan said, "We have achieved political unity; praise be to Allah." In military terms, we have already demonstrated the greatest degree of solidarity in Karabakh, as is well known. Karabakh was the most visible manifestation of this to the rest of the world. In other words, it was communicated that states and nations can achieve results when they feel a strong sense of unity. In Karabakh, precisely that result was attained."
"The Turk time is a beacon of hope for the entire world"
President Erdoğan highlighted the dynamic nature of the Organisation and its potential to address the shortcomings of global mechanisms that have become ineffective. He further stated that the Organisation of Turkic States is emerging as a rising force in the world, aiming to overcome obstacles in the international system and generate effective and long-lasting solutions. We will strive to create a future and a world that is more inclusive and fairer than it is now. The Turk time is a beacon of hope for the entire world."
In US media outlets, it has been mentioned that there are three potential scenarios regarding Israel's attacks on Gaza. These scenarios include "the deployment of a UN-backed force to Gaza, the establishment of a multinational military force as a peacekeeping measure, or the setting up of mechanisms where Arab countries hold a majority." Upon being reminded of this matter, and asked, "Does Türkiye intend to participate in this plan? Does Türkiye intend to engage in such military formations in regard to guarantorship and the international peacekeeping force? President Erdoğan responded,
"We have been repeatedly discussing the issue of guarantorship since the earliest days of these events. We mentioned that if Türkiye needs to assume the role of a guarantor, we are prepared to take on that responsibility. We can serve as the guarantor country. In Cyprus, Greece, the UK, and Türkiye can all serve as guarantor countries. So, why is it not possible to establish a similar structure in Gaza? Is there anything more reasonable than Türkiye serving as the guarantor country in Gaza? We can also assume the role of the guarantor country there. The form this will take will be revealed by events and time. There will be a security aspect, a political aspect, and also a historical and cultural aspect. Türkiye needs to take on a leading role, considering the historical background that has shaped this structure. This will be a development that will have an impact on shaping history, both in the present and in the future.
"The entire West, especially the US, is now on Israel's side"
Pointing out that it has been almost a month since the attacks started, President Erdoğan said, "We anticipate that the developments at the moment will move things a little more against Israel. Israel did not take this brutal step with its own power. When one refers to the US, we should not only think of the country itself. In my opinion, the US should be regarded as a part of the West. "The entire West, especially the US, is now on Israel's side."
Emphasising that they want Gaza to be a peaceful region when all this is over, as an integral part of the independent Palestinian state, with geographical integrity within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, President Erdoğan said, "All our efforts are to ensure that Gaza develops into a peaceful city and Palestine a peaceful country, where people do not die, are not displaced, and that hospitals and streets, schools, and places of worship are not bombed. That is why we are creating the formulas that will ensure this and announcing it to the world. We are currently assessing alternative formulas that are being developed within the framework of the principle of fairness.
President Erdoğan stated that they discussed these issues with all of the leaders they met and told them that there would be no tranquility in the region unless there was fair and lasting peace in the region.
President Erdoğan said that states that turn a blind eye to Israel's massacres and stand by Israel even at the risk of violating the values they defend are also aware of this, and added:
"We support formulas that will restore peace and tranquility to the region." We do not support plans that will further tarnish Palestinians' lives and gradually erase them from history. Israel is killing civilians without blinking an eye and dropping bombs on babies in swaddles and the injured in hospitals; so the formulas that will incite Israel to greater recklessness are not a solution for us but rather a source of impasse."
President Erdoğan said, "Western states, which have remained silent when reminded of the massacres they previously condoned, will be crushed by the shame of their attitude towards the Gaza massacre."
In response to a question about the diplomatic traffic to put an end to Israeli attacks in Gaza, President Erdoğan stated that they have held many meetings so far and added:
"There is the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Summit in Riyadh this month. We will attend that summit. We will also visit Uzbekistan next week. We have these critical visits ahead of us at such a critical time. President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran will visit our country at the end of this month and we will have a meeting with him."
"Our meetings will continue in the coming days"
President Erdoğan emphasised that they are meeting with all their counterparts from the east to the west and the north to the south in an effort to put an end to this bloodshed and noted:
"Our meetings will continue in the coming days." The international community, unable to rein in Israel's unlawful actions, is first and foremost ignoring its own principles. Not only do they turn a blind eye to the massacre of Palestinians, they compete among themselves to embrace Israel and encourage them to kill more babies. The dungeons in which they confine their consciences will be walls of disgrace for them in the future. Western states, which have remained silent when reminded of the massacres they previously condoned, will be crushed by the shame of their attitude towards the Gaza massacre. We cry out, 'Where is justice? Where are the international organisations established to keep peace? Where are the human rights advocates?'
Pointing out that the people do not remain silent even if the state administrations do, President Erdoğan said, "Despite all the bans and obstacles in the streets of Europe, the people demand justice in the squares. Some countries that are extremely tolerant of terrorist organisation militants under the guise of freedom of expression even attempted to ban the Palestinian flag, the symbol of a nation. Fortunately, conscientious people did not pay heed to such bans.
"Netanyahu is the main person to blame for this"
President Erdoğan shared the following information about the path to be followed:
"Israel has taken a very wrong step. I can say that Israel has darkened its own future with this wrong step. This disturbs not only Israel but also its extensions outside Israel. What Israel needs to do is take a step back and put an end to this. Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel is the main person to blame for this. Discussions against Netanyahu have now started in Israel. Global politics criticises him as well. Most significantly, 121 countries defied Israel and its allies during the vote for the United Nations resolution calling for an immediate truce in Gaza. Only 14 countries backed Israel, while 45 abstained. Nobody is on Israel's side if you put aside America. This demonstrates that your money or weapons are all useless. The voting for the United Nations resolution was crucial. In fact, this vote is a report card. In this report card, Israel did not receive a passing grade and failed. There have been previous votes like this, but no one has been able to take action against Israel.
"We will try our hardest to prosecute war crimes"
When reminded of his remarks at the Great Palestine Rally in Istanbul that he would back initiatives to bring Israel's human rights violations and war crimes before the International Criminal Court, President Erdoğan said:
"This work will be carried out by our relevant authorities, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs." The global system and international law are going through a tough test. People's already dwindling faith in international law and the global system will start declining if Israel cannot be stopped and held accountable for its actions. We will try our hardest to enforce international law and prosecute war crimes."
When asked about the prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza, President Erdoğan replied:
"Regrettably, the United Nations member states are presently divided in two with regard to the ceasefire. I believe the 121 countries that voted in favour of the UN resolution are those who support a ceasefire sensibly. 45 countries are at a crossroads about whether to vote for or against it. 14 countries are against the ceasefire. This provides a summary of the positions taken by various countries around the globe. For these reasons, I attach great importance to the Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Riyadh. In Riyadh, we will both press for a ceasefire and lay the groundwork for the procedures and principles of that ceasefire. We will make a presentation on these principles and procedures at the summit and, inshallah, push the limits to secure a ceasefire accordingly. Of course, the stance of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states is critical here. The countries we will entice to join us among the 121 countries that voted for this ceasefire are vital. Forcing a cease-fire will then be our most essential step forward."
"We are striving to ensure that Palestinian children can live in peace"
Emphasising that they would continue to meet with their counterparts and telling the truth and what is fair at all times, Erdoğan continued:
"We are striving to ensure that Palestinian children, like other children around the world, can live in peace." We are working to ensure that they live in a better world without worrying about their safety. Now, the world needs to hear the cries of Palestinian children. It is our responsibility to extend our helping hand to those who are innocent and oppressed. This is our responsibility as humans. The world cannot ignore their desire to live freely and peacefully within their own territory. We will continue to remind the world of that desire and extend our helping hand."
In response to a question about humanitarian aid and the evacuation of injured people in Gaza, President Erdoğan noted that Türkiye had sent 10 planes to Egypt carrying in-kind aid and that this aid had reached the region.
Indicating that only a limited amount of aid arrives in Gaza on a daily basis, President Erdoğan said, "They permitted 20-25 trucks to pass in the early days, and just once allowed 50 trucks to pass. Only a limited number of trucks are allowed in because they are constantly checked. Additionally, their destinations and routes are also continuously checked. Unfortunately, pressure from UN bodies on this issue has been futile. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established immediately after the occupation. 65 of their local staff were martyred in Gaza. This organisation is responsible for the entire Palestinian population."
President Erdoğan expressed the view that all other organisations, including UNRWA, are exerting effort and provided the following assessment:
"In addition to us, Qatar, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates are also engaged in relief efforts. Our colleagues who have travelled to the area are looking into possible ways to treat the injured. Right now, storing food is not an issue. Currently, there is a greater quantity of food in storage than what is being sent to Gaza. Ensuring the delivery of all aid to Gaza is presently our top priority; however, Israel does not allow this. This is another issue. I spoke with the head of AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority). Based on our most recent conversation today, it appears that the issue is still going on. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The problem with drinking water, in particular, causes widespread diseases."
"We will not leave Gaza alone and helpless"
President Erdoğan drew attention to the sewage problem in Gaza, saying:
"Israel is intentionally trying to bring down the health system in Gaza while the international community is disregarding this cruelty. As a result, civilians, patients, and infants who require medical attention are being left to perish. As you are aware, there is no electricity, the infrastructure is destroyed, hospitals are unsafe, and medical infrastructure is inadequate. We know that surgeries nowadays are conducted without administering anaesthesia to patients. We have made all necessary preparations for patient care, from setting up field hospitals to sending hospital ships. We are even working on transporting the injured and sick to Türkiye. We are in contact with both regional countries and organisations such as the World Health Organisation. We will not leave Gaza alone and helpless. We have dispatched a variety of medical supplies, including physicians, to Egypt, and we still have more to deliver. So long as we can achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and make it permanent."
After being reminded that President Erdoğan was an effective leader who engaged with both sides in the Russia-Ukraine war, and after being asked, "Would you play a role in ensuring peace in this war as well? Has Israel stopped being a topic of conversation for you since these massacres? "Would you talk to Israel? President Erdoğan said,
"I have no contact at the moment. İbrahim Kalın, the Head of our National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), is currently engaged in negotiations with the Israeli side. He is, of course, in contact with Palestine and Hamas. Let me clarify that Netanyahu is no longer a counterpart for us. We crossed him off. I will make a decision on this matter during the OIC Summit meetings. First, we need to observe the atmosphere there. However, apart from that, completely cutting off connections, particularly in the context of international diplomacy, is not an option. For this reason, we are employing all diplomatic channels together with Hakan Fidan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, İbrahim Kalın, the head of the National Intelligence Organisation, and other ministers, and we will continue to do so."
President Erdoğan highlighted that Türkiye's primary objective is to achieve lasting peace in the Israel-Palestine issue. He mentioned that they have already taken steps, developed strategies, and will continue to do so in the future.
President Erdoğan emphasised his unwavering commitment to ending the violence and establishing peace, stating: "We are determined to do everything necessary to bring about a long-lasting and sustainable peace that will benefit our region and our country. We have been calling for the accomplishment of this goal, such as gathering all relevant parties at a conference."
"Regrettably, our confidence in the European Union has been greatly undermined."
The European Union (EU) administration has mentioned the possibility of organising a peace conference to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, they have made it clear that they do not believe Hamas should have a role in this conference if the EU is involved. After being reminded of this matter and asked, "What is your view of this?" President Erdoğan responded,
"During this period, the European Union has already played a rather peculiar and inconsistent role. The European Union failed to present a fair approach. Unfortunately, during this period, neither the UK, Germany, Italy, nor France demonstrated a fair approach. To put it differently, it is not possible to anticipate such a reaction from the European Union."
"What else can you expect from an organisation that has kept a country like Türkiye waiting at the door for more than 50 years?" President Erdoğan asked, adding, "Therefore, even though we suggest that a fair world is possible, we should not expect a fair attitude when it comes to the European Union." Because, look around, who is currently siding with Israel and who is staying out of the diplomatic process in the Russia-Ukraine war? European Union. Unfortunately, our trust in the European Union has been shaken."
Emphasising that the EU leadership should first consider the issue of trust in international law and the universal values they talk about at every opportunity, President Erdoğan continued:
"They must explain where they are when hospitals are bombed, civilians are killed in refugee camps, and Israel pours death into places of worship, schools, and marketplaces." They must explain to the people they represent why they were unable to call on the Israeli government to follow international law and human rights during their visits to Israel. I am now asking, What is the solution plan of the European Union leadership? Is it Israel's solitary presence at the peace conference and imposing what it says as the solution? Is it paving the way for Israeli occupation of the entire Palestinian territory and effectively ending the existence of Palestine? It would be erroneous to even consider that a meeting that cannot bring together the parties will serve peace. "Now is not a time to waste with empty rhetoric; it is time to defend human life and the right to live."
"So the EU will act based on whether it is indebted to the perpetrator of the massacre or not"
President Erdoğan said, "Why are civilised states, those who always talk about human rights, democracy, freedom, and international law, still silent in the face of Israel's attitude and barbarism? Why do you believe they remain silent? In response to the question, "Do you think Europe and America owe a debt to Israel?" he replied:
"Now, if you remember, in my speech on Saturday, I used a specific statement. What was this statement? 'All of them are indebted to Israel. But Türkiye is not indebted to Israel.' Such a statement cannot be more explicit. Now Germany cannot pay off its debt. It's very clear. The others are the same. Certain politicians there, with whom we maintain a close relationship, say, "We owe Israel a debt and, to put it frankly, we are repaying it." I will not disclose them. A German politician I am very close to says, 'We are indebted'. Remember the Holocaust? Now they are paying the price."
President Erdoğan stated that Europe is writing a new chapter in history through its double standards, lack of principles, and unlawfulness, and went on to say,
"Today, we observe how the actions taken against the Jews in history have greatly hindered European countries and led them to a state of denial. What leads you to overlook the rows of deceased infants? What causes Europe to turn a blind eye to the bombs falling on Gaza? What kind of debt is this that can overlook the horrifying and inhumane massacres, which are so atrocious that they bear a strong resemblance to the events that occurred during that time? May Allah forbid, but if a European country were to experience similar massacres tomorrow, the European Union would adopt a position based on whether or not it is indebted to the perpetrator of the massacre. We are well aware of what happened in Bosnia and Srebrenica in the heart of Europe in the past and how European countries remained silent and turned a blind eye to the massacre, just as they do today."
President Erdoğan said, "We are not indebted to anyone. We don't have any shame from the past that would make us indebted." We are standing where we were yesterday, where we are today, and where we will be tomorrow."
"The people's conscience will put an end to this war."
After being asked, "Are the Islamic world, Russia, and China insufficiently powerful to halt this war? How would you respond to Netanyahu's argument regarding the conflict between civilization and religion?, President Erdoğan responded,
"Of course, it matters which Torah Netanyahu is referring to. What is the most important thing to us? It is the original Torah. It is already impossible for Netanyahu to follow the original Torah. Because he lacks good deeds. We believe in performing good deeds. Is there any connection between the Ten Commandments and what Israel is doing? Doesn't one of the ten commandments say 'Thou shalt not kill'? But he is killing children. This is sufficient for him. He kills women, and that is enough for him. These ten commandments are more than sufficient. He speaks about the Torah one day, and the Bible the next. Your actions have nothing to do with the Bible or the Torah. This is not accepted in the Bible, the Torah, or the Psalms. Actually, the Holy Quran is the most reliable and unaltered source, without any corruption. Consequently, we must address this matter in this manner. It is important to inform people that the Torah and all other faiths do not condone Israel's barbarism."
President Erdoğan stated that Netenyahu has lost the support of his citizens and has faced backlash from the Israeli people, and went on to say, "He seeks to justify the massacres they carry out by citing the Torah and using religious terminology. This person is solely engaging in public relations, employing a populist strategy."
President Erdoğan stated that the Israeli administration systematically usurped the houses, streets, workplaces, and living spaces of the Palestinians and implemented practises that do not grant them the right to life, and continued as follows:
"The occupation has become widespread by placing invaders, called settlers, in the homes of Palestinians. They intend to justify the war crimes perpetrated by the Israeli army with religious proclamations. By employing this strategy, they hope to silence the opposition of rational Jews who hold the belief that no one will emerge victorious in the conflict. Undoubtedly, while the might of the states is adequate to bring an end to this conflict, it is the collective conscience of the people that will ultimately prevail. Israel will ultimately capitulate to the resounding protests of millions of people who heed the cries of the oppressed."
"The NATO Secretary General recently sent me a thank-you message"
Upon being reminded that Sweden's NATO membership protocol was brought to the Parliament, and asked, "You have frequently assessed whether Sweden has fulfilled its commitments. Were Türkiye's expectations met? Also, what is the current status of the ongoing F-16 negotiations with the United States?", President Erdoğan said, "The demonstrations of the terrorist organisation PKK through the streets of Stockholm were the most important thing for us. We discussed this with the Prime Minister. In addition, they informed us that they facilitated Swedish arms exports to Türkiye. They did, in fact, take these actions regarding those matters. However, regrettably, thus far, no action has been taken in response to the terrorist organisation PKK's activities in Sweden. No action has been taken."
President Erdoğan elaborated that it was their responsibility to bring this matter before the parliament upfront, which they duly did, and said:
"We will now proceed with our efforts in the parliament in support of our parliamentary allies, the People's Alliance. The NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently sent me a thank-you message. He also carefully monitors these endeavours. He states that he considers my action of referring this issue to the Parliament to be a constructive one. So I sent word to him. I said that it is now up to the parliament. We have a Parliament in the same way that the US has a House of Representatives and a Senate. We will see how our parliament will construe and negotiate this. The budget period, as you are aware, has begun. The Parliament will focus intensively on the budget. The commission has deliberated on the budget; however, it is now before the General Assembly. The budget-related sessions of the general assembly are not brief. But we will make every effort to simplify the process. We will now endeavour to exert our utmost positive effort. So long as those around us approach us positively."