President Erdogan Welcomes Announcement Of Israel's State Recognition, Promises To Press Israel

President Erdogan. (Source: Presidency of The Republic of Turkiye)

JAKARTA - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey welcomed the latest steps taken by France, Britain, Canada and a number of other countries to recognize the Palestinian State, pledging to continue to try to pressure Israel to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.

"We consider the recent humanitarian reactions coming from Europe, particularly from France and Britain, very valuable. We welcome every step taken towards recognition of the Palestinian State," President Erdogan said, quoted by the Daily Sabah on August 1.

"One of the most effective responses to Israel's genocide policy is to support a two-state solution based on the 1967 border," President Erdogan said.

His remarks came after several countries in recent days announced their intention to recognize the Independent Palestinian State, as part of a broader global movement against Israeli atrocities in the Gaza Strip.

These measures were taken amid growing international concerns and criticism for hunger and hunger in Gaza, while Palestinians did not get food due to the Israeli blockade.

Meanwhile, leading international authorities for the hunger crisis this week said the Israeli military offensive and blockade had led to the "worst scenario of hunger" in the region.

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country would officially recognize the Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, making it the first major Western country to do so.

President Erdogan said on Thursday he had called President Macron to congratulate him on his decision, adding that supporting a two-state solution would be the most effective stance against Israeli policy.

"In the coming days, we will seek to increase pressure on the Israeli government. We will make our brothers and sisters in Gaza feel more and more that they are not alone," he said.

"We will double our efforts to ensure a ceasefire in the region as soon as possible and build lasting peace."

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would recognize the Palestinian state unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, allowing the United Nations to deliver aid, and taking other steps towards long-term peace.

A day later, Canada also said it would recognize the Palestinian state in September.

Meanwhile, Portugal will consider whether to recognize the Palestinian State at the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's office said on Thursday.

It is known that around 144 of the 193 UN member states recognize Palestine as a country, including most countries in the southern hemisphere as well as Russia, China, and India.