President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for the Palestinian people, sharply criticising Israel’s leadership.
“In these troubling days when the Netanyahu government has completely gone off the rails, we stand with the oppressed people of Gaza with all the means at our disposal,” Erdogan said on Monday in a televised address to the nation following a Cabinet meeting.
“Despite all the pressure, threats, arrogance, and impunity of the murderous network that has killed more than 64,000 innocent people, we maintain our firm stance,” Erdogan said.
“God willing, we will uphold the same conscientious position at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly and be the voice of the oppressed Palestinians there.”
Israel’s military aggression in Gaza, described by many observers as genocide, has entered its 702nd day, with 64,522 Palestinians reported killed, including 393 who died from Israeli-enforced starvation.
Nuclear energy ambitions with Akkuyu plant
The president also highlighted Türkiye’s energy ambitions, noting progress on the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant.
With a total installed capacity of 4,800 megawatts, Erdogan said the plant will help Türkiye “turn its luck around” and bolster the country’s energy independence.
Nuclear energy plays an important role in reaching Türkiye's 2053 net-zero emission target. To this end, the country plans to build nuclear power plants in two other locations after the first plant at Akkuyu.
An intergovernmental agreement was signed between Russia and Türkiye in May 2010 for Akkuyu NPP, which will consist of four VVER-1200 power units with a total installed capacity of 4,800 megawatts.
The foundation for the plant was laid in 2018, and it is expected to be finished in seven years, according to the contract.
