UPDATE – Türkiye vows to end Gaza bloodshed, reform global system

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS FROM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL'S STATEMENT, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye on Thursday committed to ending the bloodshed in Gaza, ensuring the delivery of aid to the besieged enclave and seeking just peace in Palestine based on 1967 borders.

The National Security Council, which met at the Presidential Complex in Ankara under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stressed in a statement on the need for reforming the current international system, which is unable to prevent humanitarian crimes in Gaza. Israeli attacks in the coastal territory since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack have killed nearly 26,000 people and led to a humanitarian catastrophe.

“Once again, it has been emphasized that the current international system, unable to prevent humanitarian crimes in Gaza, urgently requires reforming all its institutions and rules, especially the UN based on fairness for the attainment of global peace and stability,” the statement read.

The government body also discussed the ongoing conflicts in Libya, Somalia and Sudan, and vowed to support resolution of issues through ongoing efforts and contacts.

“The situations in Libya, Somalia, and Sudan were discussed, highlighting Türkiye’s commitment to supporting the territorial integrity of friendly nations. Efforts for resolving current issues will continue through engagements with relevant parties,” according to the handout.

Evaluating the developments in Red Sea, where Houthi attacks on commercial ships has led to airstrikes by the US and other allies, the National Security Council emphasized on the importance of resolving the situation.

The statement added that Türkiye will meticulously maintain a peaceful approach in the Black Sea, aiming to eliminate current risks within the framework of the Montreux convention.

The importance of an urgent cease-fire and establishing a lasting peace in the Ukraine war was also emphasized.

"Türkiye’s approach to eliminating current risks, meticulously maintaining efforts for peace and stability in the Black Sea within the framework of the Montreux regime, including initiatives in food security and practices like the Black Sea Mine Countermeasure Task Group, was highlighted,” the press release read.

It asserted that Türkiye's unwavering national security policy is immune to plans orchestrated through proxy terrorist organizations, saying that all terrorist groups and their affiliates posing a threat to Türkiye will continue to be targeted without any time or location constraints.

“The Turkish Armed Forces, security forces, and intelligence units, deterring those intending to disturb our peace even near our borders, highlighted that their greatest support in this struggle comes from the unwavering backing of our esteemed nation,” it said.