ISTANBUL 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday urged Israel to uphold its commitments under the new Gaza ceasefire deal, saying: “ Now a much greater test awaits the Islamic world and humanity.”

Speaking in the Black Sea city of Trabzon, Erdogan also addressed the humanitarian aid now on its way to Gaza under the deal, saying that efforts have accelerated and aid trucks sent by Türkiye have also started reaching the Palestinian enclave.

Erdogan said the ceasefire has brought bittersweet feelings but also allowed the people of Gaza to breathe a sigh of relief for the first time. He cautioned, however, that the agreement does not mean everything is over.

"Israel must not be allowed to backtrack on the agreement by finding some excuse, as it has done many times before. Secondly, Gaza must be rapidly rebuilt," he said.

Erdogan said steps should be taken before winter sets in, adding that the people of Gaza should be rescued from makeshift shelters and pledging Ankara's support.

"We want stability in our region; we want security for everyone. Whatever we wish for ourselves, we wish the same for the oppressed in Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen. God willing, we will continue our efforts with this mindset," he further said.

On Russia-Ukraine war

Turning to the Russia-Ukraine war, now nearing its fourth anniversary, Erdogan expressed hope for an end to the conflict “as soon as possible,” reaffirming Ankara’s readiness to help achieve peace.

He said the war has caused thousands of casualties, missing persons, and injuries on both sides, adding that efforts to end it have “yet to yield the desired outcome.”

Describing it as a “bloody conflict” affecting the entire world, Erdogan said Türkiye continues to “pursue a balanced and fair policy in this matter” while prioritizing Black Sea security.

“Thankfully, we have been successful in this so far. There has been no weakness in the safety of navigation in the Black Sea,” he said.

“As with every war, the only winners here are the merchants of blood. While the wealth of war barons increases, it is the people who lose — it is the citizens on the streets, it is our region that pays the price,” he added.

Erdogan said Ankara remains in contact with both Russia and Ukraine to help stop the war and build lasting peace.