"Finally, an agreement has been reached, and the path to lasting peace in Gaza has been paved," Erdogan said in a speech at the inauguration ceremony of projects in the northern Turkish province of Rize . He continued, "The joy of our Palestinian brothers has also made us happy, and the smiles of Gaza's children have warmed our hearts."
The Turkish president added, "Thank God, we have done everything within our power and more so that calm, peace, and security may prevail in Gaza."
He added, "What matters now is the literal implementation of the agreement, and God willing, we will fulfill our obligations during the implementation phase as well." He emphasized that "the price of returning to the atmosphere of genocide in Gaza will be very high."
He said, "Our region, and Gaza in particular, has suffered enough bloodshed, massacres, and tears. Peace must be given a chance, and all acts of sabotage must be avoided."
Erdogan described the agreement as a "major step" toward lasting peace despite the challenges ahead, saying, "The door to lasting peace has opened in Gaza. We say: No more bloodshed."
The Turkish president affirmed that his country had made extensive efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities to ensure the agreement's implementation.
He expressed hope that Israel would not repeat its violations of the agreement, as it had done previously, stressing that Ankara was and will remain the voice of the oppressed in the world and always stands on the side of justice.
Erdogan explained that his meeting with US President Donald Trump was fruitful and contributed to reaching this agreement.
On Friday, the Israeli occupation army announced that the ceasefire agreement in Gaza had gone into effect at noon, and began its gradual withdrawal to its new positions in the Strip in accordance with the Trump plan in the morning hours.
Early Thursday morning, Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on the first phase of his ceasefire and prisoner exchange plan. This followed four days of indirect negotiations between the two sides in Sharm el-Sheikh, with the participation of Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar, and under US supervision.
On September 29, Trump announced a 20-point plan, including the release of Israeli prisoners in Gaza, a ceasefire, and the disarmament of Hamas.
Tel Aviv estimates there are 48 Israeli prisoners in Gaza, 20 of whom are still alive. Meanwhile, more than 11,100 Palestinians are languishing in its prisons, suffering torture, starvation, and medical neglect. Many of these Palestinians have been killed, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.
With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 8, 2023, leaving 67,211 martyrs and 169,961 wounded, most of them children and women, and a famine that has claimed the lives of 460 Palestinians, including 154 children.
