Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended Ramadan greetings to Turks and Muslims in Europe during an iftar in Cologne, emphasizing unity and peace. Hulusi Akar highlighted the contributions of the Turkish community in Germany and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to justice amid ongoing conflicts, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine. Stalled ceasefire negotiations raise concerns over humanitarian issues in Gaza, amidst significant casualties since October 2023.
On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his Ramadan greetings to Turks and Muslims residing in Europe during an iftar event organized by the Union of International Democrats (UID) in Cologne, Germany. He communicated his blessings for Ramadan, wishing it to bring unity and peace to the Muslim community worldwide through a message delivered by Hulusi Akar, chair of the Turkish Parliament’s National Defense Committee.
Hulusi Akar underscored the importance of the Turkish community in Germany, highlighting their vital contributions to both Türkiye and Germany’s progress. He emphasized that while Ankara prioritizes diplomatic measures and peaceful resolutions, it remains steadfast in defending its national rights amid international upheaval. Akar also referred to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, condemning global inaction towards Israeli actions and reiterating Türkiye’s dedication to justice.
Amidst ongoing global tensions, Akar praised the resilience of the Palestinian people and condemned any attempts at forced displacement from Gaza. The iftar program featured notable attendees including Türkiye’s Consul General in Cologne and various UID officials and representatives from different organizations.
Recently, negotiations regarding a three-phase ceasefire agreement initiated earlier this year have been stalled. Despite the completion of the first six-week phase, Israel has yet to advance to the next phase, which involves further prisoner exchanges with Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to extend the ceasefire without fulfilling the military and humanitarian obligations stipulated in the agreement, casting doubt on continued negotiations.
Since the escalation in October 2023, Israeli military actions in Gaza have tragically resulted in the deaths of over 48,500 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, leading to widespread destruction within the region.
In conclusion, President Erdogan’s Ramadan greetings emphasized unity, peace, and the vital role of the Turkish community in Europe. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the stalled ceasefire negotiations remain focal points of discussion, highlighting Türkiye’s commitment to justice and national interests. As international conflicts persist, the need for effective diplomacy and compassion for affected populations becomes increasingly critical.
Original Source: www.yenisafak.com
