President Erdoğan Expresses Readiness for Peace Initiatives Amid Gaza Destruction

President Erdoğan Expresses Readiness for Peace Initiatives Amid Gaza Destruction

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, known for his vocal stance on global Muslim issues, has called for an end to the destruction in Gaza and pledged Turkey's readiness to take steps toward a lasting peace agreement. Speaking in the Turkish Parliament, Erdoğan expressed satisfaction over the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, urging all parties, especially Israel, to honor their commitments to peace and stability.

“We are pleased with the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which took effect on Wednesday morning,” Erdoğan said. “On behalf of Turkey, I call upon all parties to uphold the promises they have made and avoid actions that would breach this agreement. Turkey is always ready to take any necessary steps to stop the ongoing destruction in Gaza and work towards a permanent ceasefire.”

The Turkish president's remarks follow similar sentiments from Iran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei welcomed the end of Zionist aggression against Lebanon.

The ceasefire, which was confirmed by BBC reports, was reached between Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese resistance group. Effective from early Wednesday, the agreement aims to end over a year of conflict, which escalated significantly in September when Israel launched extensive bombing campaigns and ground operations.

As part of the ceasefire conditions, Israeli forces will withdraw from Lebanon within 60 days. In return, Hezbollah will consolidate its presence in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier announced the ceasefire in a televised address on Tuesday, signaling an end to months of intense fighting that drew international concern.

If upheld, the agreement is expected to mark a significant step toward stability in the region, providing a glimmer of hope for peace amidst prolonged tensions.