Istanbul, March 22, 2025 – The Europe Today: Türkiye has ramped up diplomatic efforts to restore a ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza Strip, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Friday during a traditional Nowruz celebration in Istanbul.
“We have accelerated our diplomatic contacts to restore the ceasefire, end the persecution, and stop the genocide network,” Erdogan said, referring to the ongoing violence in Gaza. “Türkiye will never allow this criminal squad to turn the region into a sea of blood,” he added, directing his comments toward the Israeli government.
Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, especially as Eid al-Fitr approaches, marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. He expressed profound sorrow over the casualties of children, women, and innocent civilians who have been “martyred” in recent Israeli attacks, which have deeply saddened the international community.
“During these difficult days, Türkiye continues to stand by the Palestinians with all its resources, just as in the past,” Erdogan stated. He further emphasized that Türkiye would continue to take all necessary actions to ensure that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable not only in the conscience of humanity but also in international courts.
“I have said this before, and today I declare it once again: We will never allow this massacre squad, which grows more arrogant and reckless by the day, to turn our region into a sea of blood,” Erdogan declared. He also condemned those attempting to redraw regional borders for their own gain, stating that such actions would ultimately fail.
The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of more than 700 Palestinians and injured over 900 in recent Israeli airstrikes, breaking a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement established in January. Since October 2023, the Israeli military’s campaign on Gaza has led to nearly 50,000 Palestinian deaths, the majority of which are women and children.
In light of the ongoing violence, Erdogan reflected on the broader regional context, calling attention to the global suffering and injustice during the sacred month of Ramadan. He urged for the significance of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, to be amplified, suggesting that it be celebrated annually on March 21, similar to Turkic States Cooperation Day observed on October 3 under the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS).
“During the summit in Hungary this May, we will propose that Nowruz be celebrated as a common day of remembrance and celebration for the Turkic world,” Erdogan announced.
As part of his broader vision for regional peace and stability, Erdogan expressed optimism about Türkiye’s growing cooperation with Turkic nations. “Thanks to the mutual steps we have taken in recent years, we have reached places that were previously unimaginable, strengthening our cooperation in all areas, from energy to trade, security to education, tourism to communication,” he remarked.
Erdogan also reiterated Türkiye’s determination to combat terrorism and emphasized the country’s commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by global instability. “With the goal of a terror-free Türkiye, we have thankfully overcome some critical thresholds in our multidimensional efforts,” he said.
“We will put an end to the maps that imperialists want to redraw with blood in our region, and we will disrupt their dirty games aimed at turning us against each other,” Erdogan concluded.
In a call for unity and solidarity, Erdogan encouraged a new political paradigm in the region, centered on dialogue, friendship, and mutual cooperation. He expressed hope that the spirit of Nowruz, meaning “new day,” would herald the dawn of a new era of peace and prosperity for Türkiye and the broader region.
