Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed concern about Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in a meeting with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas in Turkiye’s capital, Ankara and cited “two-nation” theory as an only way for peace.
During the meeting, Erdogan voiced serious concern over the violence perpetrated by illegal Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinian region has experienced heightened tensions in recent months, with Israeli forces intensifying raids, and leading to clashes and violent attacks on Palestinian villages by Israeli settlers. Recently, Israeli military attacked west bank with airstrikes, killing 12 people in two days.
Moreover, the impunity of Israeli forces over killing unarmed Palestinian continues. This year, 201 Palestinians have been killed by occupational forces with most deaths occurring in West bank.
Meanwhile, Erdogan strongly condemned actions of illegal settlers and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution.
He also addresses the issue of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the meeting with Erdogan expressing strong opposition to any attempts to alter the historical status quo of holy places, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which holds great significance in Islam.
“We cannot tolerate any acts attempting to change the historical status quo of holy places, particularly the al-Aqsa Mosque. The unity and reconciliation of the Palestinians are key elements in this process,” the Turkish leader said.
He pointed out that extremist Israeli Jewish settlers have been advocating for the destruction of the mosque and the construction of a third Jewish temple in its place.
Erdogan emphasized that unity and reconciliation among the Palestinian people are vital for progress in the peace process.
He reiterated Turkey's support for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine as the only path to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.
After Abbas, Edrogan is likely to meet Israeli Prime Minister in Turkiye.