Erdogan calls for ceasefire in Gaza

2025-06-25 22:18:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told leaders at a NATO summit that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran should be made permanent, also calling for a ceasefire in Gaza to ease the humanitarian crisis there, his office said.

Turkey, a NATO member, is a fierce critic of Israel and its war against Hamas - the Palestinian group designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union - in Gaza.

Gaza has suffered great destruction after two years of war, and the population of this territory has been displaced - in some cases several times - since October 7, 2023, when the war began.

During the summit in The Hague, Erdogan held talks with the leaders of France, Germany and Britain, with whom he discussed regional tensions, bilateral ties, relations with the European Union and cooperation in the defense industry.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday evening he also met with US President Donald Trump.

"President Erdogan welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran and said that the situation needs to return to a long-term calm. He also said that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening and that a long-term ceasefire is also urgently needed there," Erdogan's office said, following the Turkish leader's meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron.

He made similar calls during his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where he added that a solution must be found for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Meanwhile, regarding the problems between Tehran and Washington, Erdogan said that they should only be resolved through diplomacy, adding that everyone should work for a lasting peace in the Middle East.

"We welcome the ceasefire achieved through the efforts of President Trump," Erdogan said, adding that he expects the parties to adhere to the ceasefire.

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran came into effect on June 24, after the two sides fought a 12-day war. Israel launched its attacks on Iran on June 13, saying it aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Then, on June 22, the US launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, later declaring that it had completely destroyed the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. Iran retaliated with attacks on a US military base in Qatar, although the attack was largely symbolic and caused no casualties.

Erdogan has called for a ceasefire in Gaza in the past. He has also expressed support for Hamas, saying that no one can force Turkey to declare the group a terrorist organization.

The entire population of Gaza, according to United Nations agencies, is on the brink of famine.

The war in Gaza began after Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, killing nearly 1,200 people and kidnapping nearly 250 others. As a result of the Israeli offensive, more than 56,000 people have been killed in Gaza./ Rel