Erdogan Calls Biden's Gaza Ceasefire Initiative ‘Long Overdue But Crucial’

Photo: Anadolu Agency

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his support for U.S. President Joe Biden's recent push for a ceasefire in Gaza, acknowledging the move as "long overdue" but still an essential step.

“President Joe Biden's announcement of a new initiative for a cease-fire in Gaza is a step that is long overdue but nonetheless an important one,” Erdogan told a joint news conference in the capital Ankara alongside the visiting sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, The Caspian Post reports, citing Turkish media.

"Regional and global peace cannot be achieved unless an urgent, just, lasting cease-fire is established in Gaza," President Erdogan said, speaking the day after a truce took effect between Lebanon and Israel after months of cross-border fighting.

"Since the very beginning of these conflicts, we have repeatedly expressed our readiness to do whatever is necessary, whether through mediation or as guarantors, to secure a lasting cease-fire.

"Today, we stand firm in the same position. We will not hesitate to do whatever is required to establish calm and peace in Gaza,” he added.

Biden said on Tuesday that the US will make "another push" with Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others to achieve a cease-fire and hostage exchange deal in Gaza.