Ankara terrorist attack further strengthened Türkiye's resolve to eliminate terrorism: President Erdogan

By Zehra Nur Celik

ANKARA (AA) – The Ankara terrorist attack has only deepened Türkiye's resolve and unwavering commitment to wiping out terrorism, the Turkish president said on Thursday.

“This vile attack has further strengthened Türkiye's determination and resolve to eliminate terrorism,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during his BRICS summit speech in Russia.

Erdogan thanked all “friends” for their condolences and solidarity after Wednesday’s terrorist attack in Ankara.

At least five people were killed and 22 injured in the terrorist attack on the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in the capital Ankara.

Touching on Israeli attacks on Gaza, Erdogan said: “As long as bloodshed in the Middle East is not stopped, there can be no talk of justice, peace, or development for the future.”

"We have launched an initiative at the UN to halt arms sales to Israel,” Erdogan said, adding: "I trust in support you, BRICS member countries, will provide on this matter.”

“Global order of justice and development can only be achieved by establishing peace and security beyond our borders,” said Erdogan.

The Israeli army has continued a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last October, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Nearly 42,800 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 100,400 others injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught on Gaza has displaced almost the entire population of the enclave amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.