ANKARA
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that Israel does not want an independent Palestinian state and that it sees such a state as a threat to its own existence.
Erdogan, speaking at a joint press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, as well as regional problems and the latest developments in France.
He said they shared thoughts over ensuring permanent, fair, and comprehensive peace in the region and ending Israel's aggressive policies and occupation.
The presidents also discussed "the steps for an independent Palestinian state and Gaza's reconstruction."
"The Palestinian issue, which underlies the problems in the Middle East, is a bleeding wound for the human race," the Turkish president said.
Stating that Israel is not ready for peace, Erdogan said that, unless the historic injustice ends, there will be no fair or permanent solution to the problem.
He also said that the international community has begun to take a more determined stance against "Israel's hard-line attempts in the region."
"One hundred thirty five countries, including Sweden, have recognized the Palestinian state so far," Erdogan said. "Israel should read this message correctly."
Sweden officially recognized the State of Palestine in October 2014, becoming the first EU country to do so.
The Turkish president said the UN Security Council has not done its part in dealing with Israel's stubbornness, which he said has been causing increased tension in the region.
Erdogan repeated his famous statement that "the world is bigger than five," in reference to the Security Council's permanent members who can veto any substantive resolution.
The UN Security Council should be reformed, he said.
Protecting Jerusalem is not only the duty of Palestinians, but is also the responsibility of the entire Muslim world, the Turkish president said.
"Turkey's greatest desire is to see an independent Palestinian state on the pre-1967 boundaries, with Jerusalem as its capital," Erdogan said. "Turkey will continue to support Palestinians to achieve this goal."
Meanwhile, Abbas thanked Turkey for "its special emphasis on the Palestinian issue and for its diplomatic efforts in the international community."
"We are against every type of changing policy on Al-Aqsa mosque," the Palestinian president said. "Our greatest fear is that the existing conflict turns into a religious conflict, which we do not want at all."
Turkish President Erdogan also talked about the recent attacks in the French capital Paris. He said the attacks were acts of terrorism and that it is impossible for Turkey to approve such actions.
Pointing to "the increasing Islamophobia" in the Western world, Erdogan said that Muslims, who believe in a religion of peace, can not tolerate terrorism.
Asked about Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's presence at the rally in France to defy terrorism, Erdogan said: "I find it very difficult to understand how he can go there after killing 2,500 people in Gaza through state terrorism."
