Türkiye has vowed to continue standing firmly with the Palestinian people and defending their struggle for freedom, justice and independence, as it strongly condemned the Israeli Foreign Ministry's latest remarks targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

In a statement shared on social media, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran described the Israeli remarks as "disrespectful and insolent," saying they exposed the Israeli government's political and moral impasse as it faces mounting calls for accountability over its actions in Gaza.

Duran said that rather than confronting the devastation and humanitarian catastrophe inflicted on the Palestinian people, the Israeli government was resorting to insults and propaganda in an attempt to divert attention from the consequences of its actions.

He recalled that Erdoğan, speaking at the COP31 Leaders' Summit in Antalya, had drawn international attention not only to the immense human suffering in Gaza but also to the systematic destruction of its environment and heritage.

The president highlighted the destruction of centuries-old olive trees, the contamination of water resources and the transformation of cities into rubble, underscoring the devastating impact of Israel's assault on Palestinian life, livelihoods and the environment, Duran said.

Reaffirming Ankara's position, Duran stressed that Türkiye would continue to stand alongside Palestinians in their pursuit of freedom, justice and independence, while raising its voice against the oppression they endure.

He added that Türkiye would maintain its efforts to secure a lasting and just peace based on a two-state solution, underscoring Ankara's commitment to defending Palestinian rights and supporting the Palestinian people's legitimate aspirations. (ILKHA)