Turkish President Erdogan vows swift action for Gaza cease-fire, hostage release

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that Türkiye will expedite its efforts for the release of all hostages and establishment of a permanent truce in Gaza.

"We will accelerate our efforts for the release of hostages and the establishment of a lasting cease-fire. Hopefully, our initiatives will continue in the multidimensional manner in the future too," Erdogan said on X, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Türkiye stands by its Palestinian brothers and sisters, as it has done throughout the history, he pledged.

"Our humanitarian aid for our brothers and sisters in Gaza continues. So far, we have sent 12 planes and 1 ship loaded with aid materials to Al Arish (airport)," Erdogan said.

He also said that the second ship carrying 1,500 tons of humanitarian aid set sail earlier on Wednesday.

"We are facilitating the transfer of the injured, especially cancer patients and children, to Türkiye for treatment. Examinations for locations of the field hospitals we will establish in Gaza are underway," the Turkish leader added.