Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended Ramadan greetings to Muslims in Europe during an iftar event in Germany, emphasizing unity and peace. Hulusi Akar discussed the Turkish community’s importance, Türkiye’s diplomatic focus, and criticized the international community’s inaction on the Gaza conflict. The situation remains dire, with significant Palestinian casualties reported.
On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended Ramadan greetings to Turks and Muslims in Europe during an iftar event organized by the Union of International Democrats (UID) in Cologne, Germany. Through a call via Hulusi Akar, Chair of the Turkish Parliament’s National Defense Committee, he expressed hopes that Ramadan would foster blessings and unity in the Muslim community and prayed for peace and solidarity.
Hulusi Akar highlighted the importance of the Turkish community in Germany, noting their contributions to the development of both Türkiye and Germany. He emphasized Ankara’s commitment to diplomacy and peaceful resolutions, while also affirming the nation’s determination to protect its rights and interests in the face of global tensions.
Akar addressed the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, criticizing the international community’s silence regarding Israeli actions. He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s dedication to achieving justice in these disputes. Furthermore, he praised the resilience of the Palestinian people, asserting that forced displacement from Gaza is intolerable.
The program gathered various attendees including Türkiye’s Consul General in Cologne, UID officials, and representatives from numerous organizations. Recent discussions have focused on a ceasefire agreement, which saw its initial phase end in March, yet Israel has refused to advance to the next phase, jeopardizing additional prisoner exchanges with Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stalled negotiations, seeking to prolong the initial ceasefire without fulfilling essential commitments. Concurrently, Hamas has reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire and has called upon mediators to ensure Israel’s compliance and to further advance the negotiations. Since October 2023, Israeli military actions have resulted in over 48,500 Palestinian fatalities, predominantly affecting women and children, and leaving extensive destruction in Gaza.
In conclusion, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Ramadan message highlighted themes of unity and peace among Turks and Muslims in Europe, particularly in light of ongoing international conflicts. The statements made by Hulusi Akar underscored Türkiye’s commitment to protecting its national interests while advocating for justice regarding the Gaza situation. The ongoing challenges in the Israel-Palestine conflict, alongside the implications of global diplomatic efforts, remain pressing concerns as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates.
Original Source: www.yenisafak.com
