Middle East countries should aim to prevent escalation of tensions, according to Turkey.
Turkey's National Security Council Urges Caution and International Action in Middle East
The National Security Council (MGK) of Türkiye, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, convened on July 30 in Ankara to discuss pressing issues in the Middle East and beyond.
The MGK expressed its concern about the renewed risks of violence and instability in Syria, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Syria's sovereignty and territorial unity. The council supports the Syrian government's initiatives to maintain Syria's unity, stability, and territorial integrity.
Regarding Israel's military activities, the MGK strongly condemned Israel for persistently violating international law. The council accused Israel of committing acts of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza, particularly in its targeting of Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. The council called on the international community to take immediate action to stop Israel's military activities, warning that continued Israeli actions could lead to a wider regional catastrophe.
On the broader Middle East conflicts, the MGK called for restraint to prevent new hostilities in an already vulnerable region. It also expressed concern about escalating conflicts beyond the Middle East, notably the intensifying Russia-Ukraine war, reiterating Turkey's willingness to play a constructive role in promoting sustainable peace there.
The MGK also highlighted the importance of Turkey's "terror-free Turkey" campaign, emphasizing its unwavering determination to completely destroy the FETO network and eliminate its last remnants. The council discussed Turkey's counterterrorism efforts, including operations against PKK, YPG, FETO, and ISIL.
The council noted the strengthening of national unity as a result of the removal of terrorism. It also affirmed its continued support for efforts to preserve the unity of Syria and reiterated Turkey's willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at reaching a lasting peace in Ukraine.
However, the MGK did not specify any new actions related to counterterrorism efforts or any particular action that the international community should take to stop Israel's military activities. The statement did not mention any specific actions that Israel has taken in Syria.
In summary, Turkey's National Security Council maintains a posture strongly supportive of Syria's sovereignty, critical of Israeli military operations, and cautious about regional instability, urging international action to prevent further escalation. The council also reiterated its commitment to counterterrorism efforts and promoting peace in the Middle East and Ukraine.
The National Security Council (MGK) of Türkiye, given the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, urged caution to prevent new hostilities and international action to stop Israel's military activities, warning that continued Israeli actions could lead to a wider regional political crisis. Additionally, the MGK highlighted the importance of staying informed about general-news involving escalating conflicts in the region, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, and expressed Turkey's willingness to play a constructive role in promoting durable peace.
