President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that his message concerning the Gaza Strip, delivered to U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September, had a notable impact. Erdogan made these remarks at a youth event organized by his Justice and Development Party (AK Party) at the University of Health Sciences in Istanbul.
Responding to a question about the sustainability of the Gaza ceasefire, Erdogan emphasized the importance of fulfilling their responsibilities, stating that the ultimate outcome rests with a higher power. He affirmed Turkey’s unwavering commitment to its current course, asserting that there would be no retreat. “If we back down,” he declared, “we cannot justify it before God or before the people of Gaza.”
The Turkish President attended a meeting regarding Gaza during the UN General Assembly in September, which was also attended by President Trump. The meeting, closed to the press, included leaders and officials from Turkey, the United States, Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Egypt.
A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, brokered under a plan led by Trump, took effect on October 10, 2025. However, violations of the agreement by Israel have been reported daily, resulting in casualties among Palestinians. Since October 2023, with U.S. support, Israel has waged a devastating campaign in Gaza, resulting in a staggering loss of life and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure.
