Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence called on the international community to take action to end the ongoing developments in Palestine, stressing that global consciences must respond to the attacks in Gaza and the West Bank.

Speaking at the ministry’s weekly press briefing held at the 2nd Air Maintenance Factory Directorate in Kayseri, Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk addressed recent developments in the Middle East, including attacks by the Israel regime and Türkiye’s ongoing security operations.

Türkiye condemns provocations targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque

Aktürk condemned raids carried out by extremist groups from the Israel regime against Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying such actions increase tensions in the region and undermine efforts for peace and stability.

"We reject the raids carried out by Israeli extremist groups against Al-Aqsa Mosque and once again emphasise that violations and provocations targeting holy sites further fuel tensions in the region and hinder efforts for peace and stability," Aktürk said.

Call for international measures over Gaza and West Bank

Referring to the attacks in Gaza and the West Bank, Aktürk said the Israel regime continues its attacks and settlement activities in the occupied West Bank.

Aktürk stated that the attacks have resulted in the deaths of 74,000 Palestinians, including babies, children and women, according to figures cited in his remarks, and said the remaining population has been deprived of the right to live in dignity.

He called on the international community to take deterrent measures against actions that violate international and humanitarian law.

"We once again underline the importance of international consciences taking action to bring an end to what is happening in Palestine," Aktürk said.

Türkiye continues border security operations

Providing information on Türkiye’s security efforts, Aktürk said the Turkish Armed Forces continue operations to protect national security.

He announced that one PKK member surrendered during the past week.

Aktürk said 712 people, including one PKK member, were apprehended while attempting illegal crossings at Türkiye’s borders over the same period. He added that the number of people caught attempting illegal crossings since the beginning of the year reached 12,706.

Including 1,149 people prevented from crossing illegally, the total number of individuals stopped at the borders this year reached 52,487.

He also announced that around 413 kilograms of narcotics were seized during search and screening operations along the Van border line.

Başika-Zilkan base to be transferred to Iraq

Aktürk said Türkiye welcomed Iraq’s efforts to establish state authority in Sinjar and announced that the Başika-Zilkan base, which has been used since 2015 within the framework of the fight against DAESH, will be gradually transferred to Iraqi authorities.

He said the handover process will be carried out according to a previously determined mechanism and timetable.

Türkiye to receive 12 C-130J aircraft from UK

Touching on Türkiye’s defence cooperation with the United Kingdom, Aktürk said an agreement had been signed for the procurement of 12 C-130J aircraft.

He said the aircraft will be delivered to Türkiye gradually after maintenance work is completed, with the first two aircraft expected to arrive in December.

Aktürk added that personnel training programmes for the aircraft are continuing in the United States and the United Kingdom.(ILKHA)