UPDATE - Israel 'most direct threat’ to both regional, global peace, says Turkish President Erdogan

By Esra Tekin and Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) - "Israel is the most direct threat to regional and global peace, and those tasked with safeguarding world peace must put an end to this threat, " Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters aboard his returning flight from Serbia and Albania.

Erdogan also warned that Israel is not only targeting stability in Palestine, but also in Lebanon, "seeking to spread unrest to the surrounding region. "

Ankara is monitoring Tel Aviv’s actions and any potential steps towards Türkiye through its intelligence agency, President Erdogan stated, adding that Israel's aggressiveness cannot be ignored.

"Dreams of Netanyahu, and his gang will turn into a nightmare, " said the Turkish leader, adding: "Palestine will be free and Lebanon will remain free. "

He further said that the Gaza genocide has taken place before everyone's eyes, and has taken its place among the "humanity's historic shames. "

"Those who stand with the Zionist terrorist organization called Israel will carry marks of this shame for generations, " he added.

- Commitment to regional peace and stability

Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s ongoing commitment to peace and stability in the Balkans, describing his recent visits to Albania and Serbia as “highly productive” for bilateral relations.

Reflecting on his anniversary message marking the Gaza crisis, which received attention from public figures like musician Roger Waters, Erdogan said, “The more people we reach to stir consciences and stop those who harm humanity, the better.”

During his trip, Erdogan met with Albanian President Bajram Begaj to discuss political and military cooperation and emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to fighting terrorist groups, particularly FETO. He also inaugurated the Namazgah Mosque, the largest in the Balkans, built by Türkiye’s Religious Affairs Directorate, describing it as “not only a place of worship but also a cultural center.”

In Serbia, Erdogan participated in the fourth High-Level Cooperation Council meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. “We confirmed our commitment to further developing cooperation across all sectors. We signed 11 agreements to elevate our relations,” Erdogan said, expressing aspirations to increase trade to $5 billion, particularly through Turkish investments in Serbia’s construction sector.

Discussing the Sandzak region, Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s support for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, adding, “We are ready to do whatever is necessary to ensure lasting stability and peace in the Balkans.”

- Israel’s actions in Lebanon and Syria

When asked about Israel’s actions in Lebanon and Syria, Erdogan warned that any Israeli occupation of Damascus would bring conflict closer to Türkiye’s borders. “If Israel occupies Damascus, it will have reached northern Syria,” he said, adding, “Israel may have plans, but the ultimate planner is Allah. Netanyahu and his associates’ dreams will turn into nightmares. Palestine will be free, and Lebanon will remain free.”

Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity, saying, “We will continue working for peace in Syria. Humanity must reject adding to this suffering. Diplomacy can still prevent further escalation.”

- Relations with Greece and ethnic tensions in Balkans

Erdogan also addressed relations with Greece, underscoring the importance of dialogue: “The principle of good neighborliness is the key to a mutually beneficial solution.” He emphasized that both nations are committed to defining maritime boundaries through negotiations.

On rising ethnic tensions in Kosovo, Erdogan stressed Türkiye’s commitment to peace in the region, noting, “This trip itself exemplifies our commitment. Ethnic tensions in the Balkans present a highly complex picture. Türkiye’s historical, cultural, and political ties with the Balkan countries necessitate a more active role in ensuring regional stability.”

Erdogan also called for regional solidarity, saying, “We must save the region through solidarity.”