Erdogan issues stark warning to Israel - "Peace won’t come without Palestinian state"

Europe’s Security Unimaginable Without Türkiye, Erdoğan Declares

Speaking at an iftar meal with foreign ambassadors in Ankara during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Erdoğan reinforced Türkiye's commitment to joining the European Union, calling it a "strategic priority" and an "inseparable part of Europe."

"It is becoming increasingly impossible for Europe to continue as a global actor without Türkiye taking its rightful place," Erdoğan asserted, highlighting Türkiye’s pivotal role in ensuring regional stability and security.

Peace for Israel Tied to Palestinian Statehood

Erdoğan also addressed the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, warning that Israel will never find lasting peace without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He emphasized that this state should have territorial integrity based on the 1967 borders.

"Israel will not find the peace it seeks without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with territorial integrity based on the 1967 borders," Erdoğan remarked, stressing the importance of a "fair" solution for Palestine. He also criticized the Israeli government's actions, particularly regarding their plans for annexation of the West Bank and provocations around the Al-Aqsa Mosque. “Israeli government ministers are playing with fire with provocations targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque,” Erdoğan warned, underscoring that the historic Jerusalem mosque is a “red line” for Türkiye.

Muslim Representation in Global Decision-Making

Another key point in Erdoğan’s speech was the need for greater Muslim representation in global decision-making processes. As Muslims constitute a quarter of the world’s population, Erdoğan argued they must be justly represented in organizations like the United Nations.

"Muslims, who constitute a quarter of the world's population, must be represented in the global decision-making processes, as they deserve," Erdoğan stated. He also called for an Islamic nation to hold veto power in the U.N. Security Council, continuing his advocacy for reforming the council through his “the world is greater than five” initiative.

“Having an Islamic country with veto power on the U.N. Security Council is no longer just a need, but an imperative,” he added, emphasizing that without such representation, global decisions will remain incomplete and unjust.

Stability in the Middle East

In his address, Erdoğan also expressed strong views on regional stability, particularly in Syria. He warned that countries attempting to benefit from Syria’s instability would ultimately fail. “We will not allow the division of Syria as they imagine,” Erdoğan declared. Furthermore, he cautioned that Israel cannot secure its future by creating instability in the region. "Israel cannot ensure its security by creating instability in the region," he concluded, calling for more balanced and stable relations across the Middle East.

In summary, Erdoğan’s statements on Monday highlighted Türkiye’s strategic importance in global security, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the need for Muslim nations to have a stronger voice in global governance.