ISTANBUL: Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that rebuilding Gaza “will not be an easy task,” but pledged that Ankara, along with Gulf countries, will take the lead in reconstruction following Israel’s devastating assault.
“We will rebuild Gaza together. This is not something that Türkiye, Egypt, or other Gulf countries can do alone. It requires a coordinated, collective effort, and we have held comprehensive discussions at every stage,” Erdogan told reporters Friday on his return flight from a Gulf tour.
Calling the crisis a “test” for the Muslim world, Erdogan said he hopes nations will “pass it honorably and stand firmly with our brothers in Gaza.” He stressed the need for extensive excavation and reconstruction work to restore Gaza’s infrastructure and confirmed that Türkiye is prepared to provide all necessary assistance.
Erdogan urged the international community to impose sanctions and arms bans on Israel to ensure compliance with ceasefire commitments. “As Türkiye, we are doing our utmost to support a ceasefire. Hamas is adhering to the ceasefire and has clearly expressed its commitment. Israel, however, continues to violate it,” he said.
He called on the United States and other powers to exert “adequate diplomatic pressure” on Israel, adding, “Gaza will rise again; there is no doubt about that.”
Türkiye continues to deliver aid through Egypt, Erdogan said, noting the arrival of the 17th “Goodness Ship” at Egypt’s Al Arish Port. “It is now time for action, not words,” he said.
The remarks came amid the implementation of the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire deal, which began on Oct. 10, involving the exchange of prisoners and plans for Gaza’s reconstruction under a new governing mechanism without Hamas.
According to Gaza health authorities, Israel’s war has killed more than 68,200 people and injured over 170,300 since October 2023.
Türkiye’s Eurofighter Ambitions
Erdogan said discussions with Qatar and Oman over the purchase of Eurofighter jets are “progressing positively,” adding that the acquisition would significantly strengthen Türkiye’s air force. The Eurofighter Typhoon, used by several European and Gulf nations, is part of Ankara’s broader defense modernization effort.
Mediation in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
On the Russia-Ukraine war, Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s readiness to host peace talks, lamenting the postponement of a planned Trump-Putin summit in Budapest. “We believe that any dialogue that can end this war is valuable,” he said.
He emphasized Türkiye’s neutral stance, saying, “We maintain good relations with both sides, earning the trust of each, which gives us an advantage in promoting peace.”
Northern Cyprus Election
Erdogan congratulated Tufan Erhurman, who won the presidency of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with 62.76% of the vote. “We cannot and will not turn a blind eye to Northern Cyprus,” he said, expressing Ankara’s full respect for the will of Turkish Cypriots.
Erhurman, in his victory speech, affirmed that “foreign policy will naturally be conducted in close consultation with Türkiye—let there be no doubt about that.”
Erdogan also announced that Turkish citizens will be allowed visa-free entry into Oman starting November 1.
