Trabzon: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday called on Israel to honor its commitments under the newly established Gaza ceasefire agreement, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the deal. Speaking in Trabzon, a city on the Black Sea, Erdogan highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "Now a much greater test awaits the Islamic world and humanity."

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan discussed the humanitarian aid efforts currently underway to support Gaza, noting that aid trucks from Trkiye have already begun arriving in the Palestinian enclave. He acknowledged the ceasefire as a bittersweet development, offering temporary relief to Gaza's residents, but warned that this agreement is not a permanent solution.

Erdogan stressed the need for Israel to adhere strictly to the terms of the ceasefire without resorting to previous patterns of backing out. He emphasized the necessity of immediate reconstruction efforts in Gaza, urging action before the onset of winter to help the displaced populations move from makeshift shelters. He reiterated Ankara's commitment to supporting these efforts.

Erdogan also conveyed a broader message of regional stability and security, expressing Trkiye's desire for peace and prosperity for all, including those in Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen. He reaffirmed Trkiye's dedication to these efforts, guided by a principle of mutual well-being.

Shifting focus to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Erdogan expressed his hopes for a swift resolution to the war, which is nearing its fourth anniversary. He reiterated Ankara's willingness to facilitate peace and highlighted the human toll of the conflict, with numerous casualties and missing persons reported.

Erdogan described the war as a "bloody conflict" with global repercussions, emphasizing Trkiye's commitment to maintaining a balanced and fair approach while prioritizing Black Sea security. He noted that so far, navigation safety in the Black Sea has been successfully upheld.

Reflecting on the broader implications of war, Erdogan remarked, "As with every war, the only winners here are the merchants of blood," criticizing the profiteering by war barons at the expense of ordinary citizens. He affirmed that Ankara remains in dialogue with both Russia and Ukraine, striving for an end to the conflict and the establishment of lasting peace.