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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a strong response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent remarks about Jerusalem during the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Complex. Netanyahu had said, “Jerusalem is not your city, Erdogan. It will always be ours and will never be divided again.”
Erdogan rejected the statement forcefully, emphasizing Türkiye’s historic role and commitment to protecting Jerusalem and the rights of Muslims in the city.
“We will not allow sacred Jerusalem to be defiled by unworthy hands. I know the regret of Hitler admirers may never pass. They may never forget the stance we took 27 years ago during our leadership in Istanbul Municipality. Let them continue their fits of anger. As Muslims, we will not take a single step back from our rights in East Jerusalem. Our struggle to make Jerusalem a city of peace, security, and safety continues.”
Erdogan reminded the audience of Türkiye’s centurieslong role in serving Jerusalem, stressing that the city is a shared cause and heritage of the Islamic world: “We have served Jerusalem for 400 years as part of our responsibility to the Islamic world. Netanyahu does not know this history, but we will continue to ensure that this revered city remains a place of peace and well-being for all faiths. Jerusalem belongs with us and with the Islamic world, not to those who claim it through oppression.”
Erdogan also addressed broader international politics, highlighting Türkiye’s independence and strategic approach:
“We remain focused on our goals. We plan every move like a master chess player. No provocation will prevent us from achieving our objectives. Türkiye’s foreign policy prioritizes peace, but this does not mean we will remain silent in the face of injustice.”
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