site.btaPresident of Turkiye Erdogan Stresses Two-State Solution and Gaza Reconstruction

President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the outcome of the Sharm el-Sheikh summit and next steps for resolving the Palestinian issue and rebuilding Gaza with journalists on his return from Egypt on Tuesday.

Erdogan described the recognition of a Palestinian state by Western countries as laying groundwork for a two-state solution but warned that only thorough implementation would achieve lasting peace. He noted that the Palestinian issue is now more prominent on the global agenda than ever before, following talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Erdogan said the summit is a turning point for Middle East peace and welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stressing that it must be fully observed and that US influence over Israel should continue during this process. He highlighted the importance of the recent exchange of hostages and prisoners but argued that the ceasefire agreement alone does not resolve the Palestinian issue. He insisted the real solution lies in recognizing an independent Palestine within its 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Erdogan said 350 Turkish lorries carrying humanitarian aid have already entered Gaza, with the goal of up to 600 per day as part of the agreement. He described Gaza as a “pile of rubble” and called for urgent steps to launch reconstruction efforts supported by both Arab and Islamic countries, through projects initiated by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League.

He noted the need for strong financial backing for these plans, expressing hope that such support would materialize. Erdogan urged the international community not to become complacent as the situation in Gaza stabilizes and warned that Israel has a poor record on ceasefire violations, requiring vigilance.

Erdogan presented Turkiye as a country embodying humanitarian conscience, pointing to its continued humanitarian aid despite ongoing attacks, and pledged to help ensure that residents of Gaza have shelter before winter. He added that wounded Palestinians are being treated in Ankara, and that Istanbul hospitals are also available, and that Turkiye is ready to expand its support.

Signatures on the ceasefire agreement, including those of US President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, reflect a historic will for peace, Erdogan said.

He explained that Turkiye is still considering which structures and organizations might join international forces to be stationed in Gaza. Erdogan expressed hope that conflict in Gaza is coming to an end, with the active involvement of the US president being the most important observer. He emphasized that international efforts must now focus on reconstruction and on ensuring accountability so the atrocities are not forgotten.