Erdogan Extends Ramadan Greetings to Turks and Muslims in Europe

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended Ramadan greetings to Turkish and Muslim communities in Europe during an iftar event in Germany, emphasizing unity and peace. Hulusi Akar highlighted the Turkish community’s impact and discussed ongoing conflicts, including Gaza and Ukraine, while criticizing the international response to these situations. The article also notes developments regarding a ceasefire agreement in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shared Ramadan greetings with Turks and Muslims residing in Europe during an iftar event hosted by the Union of International Democrats (UID) in Cologne, Germany. Through Hulusi Akar, Chair of the Turkish Parliament’s National Defense Committee, he conveyed his hopes that Ramadan fosters blessings and unity among the Muslim community and prayed for peace and solidarity.

Hulusi Akar emphasized the importance of the Turkish community in Germany, acknowledging their significant contributions to both Türkiye and Germany’s development. He stated that while Ankara prioritizes diplomacy and peaceful resolutions, it remains steadfast in defending its national rights and interests in the face of global tensions.

Discussing the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, Akar criticized the lack of international response to Israeli actions, reasserting Türkiye’s dedication to justice. He commended the Palestinian resistance, deeming any forced displacement from Gaza as unacceptable.

The iftar program was attended by Türkiye’s Consul General in Cologne, UID officials, and various organizational representatives. The ongoing discussions about a three-phase ceasefire agreement, which initially saw a six-week pause that ended in early March, face hurdles as Israel has not moved forward with subsequent phases, particularly regarding prisoner exchanges with Hamas.

Negotiations have been stalled by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he seeks to extend the initial ceasefire without fulfilling commitments related to the ongoing situation. Hamas has reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire, calling on mediators to ensure that Israel adheres to the agreement. The conflict has resulted in over 48,500 Palestinian deaths, predominantly among women and children, rendering Gaza devastated since October 2023.

In summary, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Ramadan greetings highlighted themes of unity and peace for Muslims in Europe. Hulusi Akar reinforced the Turkish community’s importance in Germany and Türkiye’s commitment to justice amid global conflicts, particularly in Gaza. Ongoing negotiations surrounding the ceasefire reflect the complexities of regional tensions and the humanitarian crisis impacting Gaza’s population.

Original Source: www.yenisafak.com