President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a statement at the "AK Party Expanded Provincial Consultative Assembly Meeting" in Rize. President Erdoğan said,"A just peace has no losers. We wholeheartedly hope that the agreement will lead to lasting peace, tranquility, and security in Gaza and the other Palestinian territories. I thank all leaders who support this process."

Highlights from President Erdoğan's statement:

I thank each and every one of you for your enthusiasm, your loyalty, and your love. I extend my gratitude to all of you for standing by this brother of yours for 24 years. I also want to emphasize that we have worked tirelessly for Rize. We have stood by the people of Rize in good times and in difficult times. Efforts to completely eradicate the flood disaster continue.

Being back at my parents' home is a privilege for me. Even though only 15 months have passed since our last visit, we miss Rize, our fellow Rize residents, and the Rize residents miss us. We wanted to offer our condolences, offer our well wishes, and open the completed facilities.

Yesterday, we held the mass opening ceremonies for 38 projects totaling 3.084 billion lira and the groundbreaking ceremony for two projects. I hope all these projects and services will be beneficial to you.

The other day, we received heartwarming news regarding Gaza. An agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire. Turkey, remember, is much bigger than Türkiye. Turkey is taking firm steps toward the future. Our country has been one of the driving forces of the recent process. Our Palestinian brothers and sisters, especially Hamas, have shown that they are ready for peace. After two years of oppression, genocide, and brutality, smiles have begun to appear in Gaza for the first time, albeit bittersweet. I salute Palestine and the Palestinians. No matter what anyone says, every step that brings joy to the victims of Gaza is acceptable to us as well. I will go to Gaza first, then you.

"ISRAEL MUST STAND BEHIND ITS SIGNATURE"

As Turkey, we have always said this: A just peace has no losers. I congratulate our diplomats. There must be no turning back now. The Israeli government must stand behind its signature. It must end its aggressive policies. The two-state solution is the key to lasting peace in the region. We will continue to defend a just peace tomorrow, just as we did yesterday. We will stand with all our might for our Palestinian brothers and sisters, who have suffered terribly for two years. No one should have any concerns about this.

EMPHASIS ON"TWO-STATE SOLUTION"

A two-state solution is the key to lasting peace in our region. We believe that a two-state structure is the best path for all peoples in the region—Muslims, Christians, and Jews. We continue to pursue this path with determination today, just as we did yesterday.

President Erdoğan responded to the rising slogan"Chief, take us to Gaza" during his speech. Erdoğan said,"I will go to Gaza first, then you."