Director of Communications Altun said that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke with President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine, saying, "No matter what, we will stand firm against Israel's barbaric attacks on Gaza, and Israel will certainly pay for its cruelty."
Presidency's Director of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, participated in the TRT Haber live broadcast and responded to the airstrike by the Israeli army on the TRT Arabi team vehicle preparing for broadcasting in Nuseirat camp in Gaza.
Director of Communications Altun stated that the atrocities perpetrated by Israel against innocents, civilians, health workers, and journalists in Gaza have been witnessed by the whole world, with no regard for law, principle, or boundaries.
Saying that humanity, unfortunately, was incapable of standing in unity, Director of Communications Altun added: "We are striving to speak out vehemently against these atrocities, massacres, and the genocide against Israel and to stand by the truth. Today, Sami Şahada, in his capacity as a journalist advocating for the truth and representing it, was the target of a deliberate attack orchestrated by Israel. I wish our brother a speedy recovery. I also extend my sincere sympathies to the TRT family."
Director of Communications Altun, who stated that the TRT Arabi team was the target of a deliberate assault, characterised this assault as a calculated manoeuvre executed by Israel in response to the truth, just as it had previously done with 140 journalists.
"We see international media organisations bury their heads in the sand"
Director of Communications Altun remarked that Israel has been running aggressive disinformation campaigns and massacring journalists to cover up its oppressive policies, adding:
"There is an Israel that lacks ethical principles, is ignorant of international law, and considers itself superior to it. Unfortunately, we see how Western and international media organisations, which have the ability to set an agenda whenever they choose in the name of press freedom, bury their heads in the sand. Since October 7, members of the press who are merely performing their duties have been subjected to a systematic assault."
Informing that Israel has massacred tens of thousands of civilians, Director of Communications Altun said, "There is also an Israel that massacred 140 journalists who tried their best to give voice to the innocent, to the truth. Israel had attacked our TRT team before. It had martyred a reporter of our Anadolu Agency (AA). We notice that today, the TRT Arabi vehicle has been similarly targeted."
Director of Communications Altun said: "Even as these atrocities persist, Türkiye, under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is sincerely striving to speak out against these atrocities as the conscience of the international community. It fights against Israel's lies and Israel's disinformation as the representative of truth. Our President is engaged in a vigorous diplomatic effort on a global scale."
President Erdoğan spoke to President Abbas of Palestine
Director of Communications Altun went on to say:
Our President has just spoken to Mahmoud Abbas on the phone. Our President clearly informed Mr Mahmoud Abbas, 'No matter what, we will stand firm against Israel's barbaric attacks on Gaza, and Israel will certainly pay for its cruelty.' He also underscored that 'We must deploy all measures to achieve a ceasefire, including a United Nations Security Council resolution.' In this regard, our President highlighted the importance of cohesion among all Palestinian groups and demonstrated that Israel must be confronted in a resolute and united manner."
Stating that Israel's oppressive practices have been continuous since 1948, Director of Communications Altun said that that left the Islamic world in sorrow and bitterness.
Director of Communications Altun noted that Israel has not heeded any warnings or demands since its attacks commenced on October 7, adding:
"Anyone who remains unresponsive today is accountable before history and humanity. Türkiye, led by our President, continues to emphasise this and becomes the true voice of the Palestinian cause. The struggle of our President throughout his political life in this regard is crucial to advocating for the Palestinian cause.
Had it not been for Türkiye's support for the Palestinian cause in the international arena since 2002, the atrocities committed by Israel would have been much graver. We are and will continue to be the voice of Palestine's just cause in all international arenas."
Director of Communications Altun added that they have made every attempt to inform the world about Israel's atrocities and would continue to do so through TRT, AA, and all media outlets.
"Israel committed this massacre on purpose, knowingly targeting"
Stating that Israel's persecution cannot be covered up, Director of Communications Altun said, "Today, a friend was severely injured due to this attack. Israel committed this massacre on purpose, knowingly targeting. Israel has been carrying out this massacre for a long time, and sadly, the lack of a strong international protest, especially from the West, allows it to continue. However, despite all of it, the mechanisms of oppression will eventually be dismantled, and as soon as they are, those who manipulate them will also be subject to its power."
Director of Communications Altun reiterated that they will continue to stand for justice and truth in this noble cause, stating, "We will maintain our stance, no matter the threats, advances, or attacks that may be initiated against us. Ultimately, we align with and believe in justice and truth; furthermore, we are confident that those who believe will prevail in this conflict between the righteous and the deceitful."
Recalling that the extraordinary session of the Islamic Conference of Ministers of Information of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened in Istanbul on February 24 in response to Israel's disinformation, systematic treacherous policies against the truth, and journalist massacres, Director of Communications Altun stated that they emphasised very openly and clearly in the final declaration that the Islamic unity must speak out strongly regardless of the outcome.
Director of Communications Altun underscored the imperative for Islamic countries to stand against Israel in a steadfast and united opposition, arguing that doing so would prevent Israel from perpetuating its oppressive policies.
"Journalists who bravely cover the region are our heroes"
Assuring that they will exert every effort in their own fields to combat Israel's increasing disinformation campaigns and attacks on journalists who serve as spokespeople of the truth, Director of Communications Altun said:
"Journalists who bravely cover the region are our heroes. Despite many obstacles, they have been championing the truth on a global scale since October 7, and their efforts remain unyielding. May Allah keep them safe and protected. Let us maintain our struggle for the righteous cause of Palestine throughout this process. The words fall flat, honestly. Because all of it is under record and occurring in broad daylight for all to see. Even more alarming is the existence of an oppressive order that has the audacity to act in this manner, knowing full well that it is being witnessed. It is necessary to put an end to this oppressive order."
Stating that both he and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have emphasised time and again the utmost importance for Islamic countries to unite resolutely in support of the Palestinian cause, employing an approach that is distinct from all others, Director of Communications Altun noted, "We will be capable of putting up a resistance against Israel's direct oppression policies and the western international system that supports them if we unite in a concerted effort. We must never underestimate our capabilities. As proven by our President, a country that places its trust in itself in the realm of international politics is capable of accomplishing remarkable feats, and a leadership that collaborates with its nation and state is capable of attaining substantial diplomatic rewards."
Türkiye was told that it had lagged behind for two centuries and could no longer be an actor in international politics, said Director of Communications Altun, adding:
"Our historical, cultural, and strategic presence in this region is tangible. Significant gains are achievable through the utilisation of the strategic opportunities that are provided by this presence. It becomes inconceivable for Israel to implement these oppressive policies in the Islamic world when it reaches this level of unity, becomes one, and is capable of channelling its power towards a common goal. This self-confidence must guide our actions. We must subdue the Western world with this self-confidence. We must put an end to the atrocities committed by Israel. We certainly are employing diplomatic channels and resources, and no matter the circumstance, we demand peace in the region at the end of the day. It is plain and easy to see who demands war and oppression here."
"With the permission of Allah, we will continue our struggle"
Director of Communications Altun pointed out that Israel is a criminal actor that instigates cruelty and violence in the present day.
Director of Communications Altun stated, as he cited the concise and clear declaration by President Erdoğan labelling Israel a "terrorist state," that Israel is an actor that reposes in terrorism for help and seeks to sustain its existence by relying on genocide.
Emphasising that an actor cannot survive if it attempts to do so by committing genocide in the region in which it exists, Director of Communications Altun said:
"We pray that humanity and history will hold you accountable for this. May Allah grant us the privilege of being among those holding you accountable. Cahit Zarifoğlu once said, 'Palestine is a test paper. The truth is to run towards martyrdom; write it down in front of every believer.' Indeed, they are running towards martyrdom, and as of today, every believer is required to take this test, the Palestinian test paper. In support of this cause, our President is engaged in a genuine struggle. Our President made tens of phone calls on the first day of Eid and as early as the eve of the holiday. While greeting numerous leaders on Eid, he brought Palestine and the genocide in Gaza to the discussion at each of his conversations. He drew attention to the necessity for humanity to join hands at this time. We will continue our struggle for this cause."
Director of Communications Altun expressed his best wishes to the TRT family and said, "I wish a quick recovery for our brother, Sami Şahada. The words fall flat, honestly. Nevertheless, we are obligated to persevere in our struggle without yielding to despair. Allah sides with those who are honest, just, and truthful. With the permission of Allah, we will continue our struggle. We will exert every effort to put an end to Israel's oppression and genocide in Gaza."