President Erdoğan Urges Israel to Uphold Gaza Ceasefire and Accelerate Aid Before Winter

Erdoğan Calls for Ceasefire Adherence and Humanitarian Urgency

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a strong call to Israel, urging the nation to uphold its obligations under the recently brokered Gaza ceasefire agreement. Speaking on October 12, 2025, during a televised address and from the Black Sea city of Trabzon, and reiterating his stance during a visit to Sharm el-Sheikh on October 13, 2025, President Erdoğan underscored the critical need for humanitarian aid to reach the besieged Gaza Strip, particularly as winter approaches. He warned that 'a much greater test awaits the Islamic world and humanity' regarding the situation in Gaza.

Commitments Under the Ceasefire Agreement

The ceasefire agreement, which the Israeli government approved on October 10, 2025, marks a crucial step towards de-escalation. This initial phase of the deal includes provisions for the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel, a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid flow into the enclave. President Erdoğan stressed that 'Israel should abide by the ceasefire; it must not be allowed to violate it,' and that there 'must be certainty that Israel upholds the commitments it has made regarding humanitarian access and the protection of civilians.' Turkey has played a role in the negotiations and is seen as a guarantor of the agreement, with its National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) chief Ibrahim Kalin involved in the talks.

Addressing the Dire Humanitarian Situation Ahead of Winter

President Erdoğan specifically highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands remain displaced and are sheltering in overcrowded and under-resourced areas. He emphasized the urgency of action 'before winter sets in,' stating that 'People in Gaza must be rescued from makeshift shelters and given the dignity of proper living conditions.' The onset of winter brings severe challenges, including freezing temperatures, inadequate shelter, and a heightened risk of communicable diseases such as respiratory infections and diarrhea, further straining Gaza's already overwhelmed healthcare system. International aid agencies have also reported difficulties in aid deliveries.

Turkey's Accelerated Aid Efforts and Call for Reconstruction

In response to the urgent needs, President Erdoğan announced that Turkey is significantly ramping up its aid efforts. Humanitarian convoys, including trucks sent by Turkey, have already begun reaching the Palestinian enclave. Since October 7, 2023, Turkey has dispatched over 101,725 tons of humanitarian aid via 16 ships and 14 aircraft. As of October 13, 2025, additional aid, including 17 trucks of food, 3 trucks of blankets, and Turkish tents, was scheduled to cross into Gaza. Beyond immediate relief, Erdoğan called for the rapid reconstruction of Gaza, noting that 'Israel has turned 80 percent of Gaza into ruins; its rebuilding must start immediately.' He reiterated Turkey's commitment to an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, linking regional stability to the resolution of conflicts in the region.