TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday, May 16, 2026, called Israel one of the main triggers of the crisis in the Middle East.
"Israel's ongoing provocations are one of the main reasons that gave rise to this crisis," President Erdogan told reporters upon returning from a state visit to Kazakhstan, as reported by Sputnik and quoted by Antara.
Erdogan stated that Israel has repeatedly demonstrated, through its actions, a willingness to destabilize the region for its own interests.
"Israel’s provocations must be neutralized, and then genuine peace must be built," Erdogan said.
He also emphasized that any issue in the region should be resolved by regional players without the intervention of external parties. Turkey, he added, will continue to work to prevent further escalation and strengthen stability in the Middle East.
Erdogan also urged countries in the region to prioritize their own national interests over short-term political gains for the benefit of foreign countries or multinational corporations.
Read: Seven Killed in Israeli Strikes on Gaza City During Nakba Day
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