Erdogan Says Türkiye’s Gaza Message at UN Left Impression on Trump
Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Türkiye’s stance on Gaza, conveyed during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, left a strong impression on US President Donald Trump.
Speaking during an interaction with university students in Istanbul, Erdogan said that during the late-September UN General Assembly session, Türkiye delivered a clear message on Gaza in coordination with Muslim countries. “At the UN General Assembly, during the meeting we held with Trump, we gave our message especially with Muslim countries, and our message, as Türkiye, left an impression on Trump,” he said.
The Turkish president stressed that Ankara would continue to pursue its policy on Gaza with determination. “We will continue on our path in the period ahead. There will be no stepping back. If we step back, we would not be able to account for it before God or before Gaza,” Erdogan added.
Reiterating Türkiye’s position, Erdogan said Ankara is taking “every step” possible on the Gaza issue, recalling the address he delivered before world leaders at the UN General Assembly. He said Israeli delegates were seated across from him during the speech, which he delivered directly and without hesitation.
“You do not go to war against cowards. We are not cowards,” Erdogan said, underlining what he described as Türkiye’s firm and principled stance.
The president further emphasized that Türkiye would not retreat from its position on Gaza, describing the issue as a moral and political responsibility.
Erdogan also highlighted Türkiye’s unique standing in global affairs, noting that the country will host an upcoming NATO leaders’ summit. He recalled that Türkiye had previously hosted the summit in Istanbul and said the next gathering would be held in Ankara.
“In Ankara, we are preparing a crescent-and-star concept,” Erdogan said, referring to the national symbols, as he outlined preparations for the high-level international meeting.
