Erdoğan sends letter on Palestine to Pope Francis

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has sent a letter on Palestine to Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics.

Expressing his satisfaction with the increasing momentum of the historically deep-rooted Turkey-Vatican relations, Erdoğan said, "I convey my respects and best wishes on the occasion of your reception of our President of Religious Affairs."

In the letter sent to Pope Francis, Erdoğan stated that humanity must no longer allow international law to be violated in Gaza.

The following statements were included in the letter Erdoğan sent to the Pope;

"While Turkey has supported the territorial integrity of Ukraine since 2014, when the illegal annexation of Crimea took place, with the motto of humanitarian diplomacy, it has also been and continues to be at the forefront of defending the right to life and the just cause of innocent Palestinian civilians.

Turkey has become the second country providing the most aid to Gaza with nearly 45 thousand tons of humanitarian supplies sent since October 7, 2023. The treatment of 429 patients and injured people from Gaza, accompanied by 450 companions, including Christians, is also being continued in our country.

Humanity, conscious that killing is forbidden by all Abrahamic religions, must no longer allow international law and international humanitarian law to be violated in Gaza. It must raise its voice against the deliberate bombing of hospitals, schools, mosques, and churches, which should not be touched even in war.

Without a fair solution to the Palestine-Israel issue, it is not possible to establish lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. It is essential that an independent, sovereign, and geographically integrated Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, comes into existence within the 1967 borders and takes its place in the global system as an equal member of the international community.

Spiritual Leader of the Catholic World, Pope Francis, Vatican;

The challenges we face, primarily the Israeli attacks that continue indiscriminately even during the holy month of Ramadan in Gaza, where deaths from starvation have begun due to the inability to deliver humanitarian aid, and the global effects of the Ukraine War, which is entering its third year, make it necessary for the international community to act in cooperation and coordination.

Considering the trends that threaten inter-communal peace and stability in recent times, such as the spread of Islamophobia, racism, and xenophobia worldwide, our world needs inclusive and rational politics and actors who can establish dialogue with all parties under all circumstances more than ever before in history.

Within the framework of this understanding, based on our common humanitarian values and our goal of serving world peace, we are determined to further develop our dialogue and cooperation with the Vatican in order to spread the culture of peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.

On this occasion, I reiterate my wishes for health and well-being on behalf of my nation and myself." 

News Source: 12punto