Türkiye condemns Houthi attacks, welcomes steps against illegal Israeli settlements

Türkiye on Thursday condemned a drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia last weekend and actions carried out by the Houthis, while welcoming steps by 12 countries to restrict trade and business ties with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Speaking at the National Defense Ministry’s weekly press briefing in Ankara, ministry spokesman Zeki Akturk said Ankara condemns the drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia, as well as actions carried out by the Houthis.

He said such actions threatening regional stability should end as soon as possible, warning that the continued Houthi threat in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait adversely affects not only regional security but also international maritime trade and global stability.

Turning to Israel’s actions in the region, Akturk said Israel was further deepening instability by continuing simultaneous attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine.

He welcomed steps taken by 12 countries, led by the UK, France, and Canada, to prohibit trade and business relations with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Akturk also called on the international community to go beyond statements and take “concrete and deterrent measures” in response to Israeli attacks targeting camps sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza and residential areas in southern Lebanon.

“We once again emphasize that Israel must immediately end its actions that violate international law in order to ensure peace and stability in the region,” he said.

Mecca Defense Alliance

Responding to questions following the briefing, the ministry said the Mecca Defense Alliance between Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia was based on the countries’ longstanding relations and defense cooperation, as well as the principles of defense and collective deterrence.

“The agreement is not directed against any country, nor does it constitute an alternative to the parties’ existing relations with third countries,” the ministry said.

It added that activities aimed at enhancing military cooperation, increasing interoperability, and strengthening defense capabilities were being carried out in coordination among the three countries, while efforts to institutionalize the alliance were continuing.

Greek premier's Kastellorizo (Meis) visit

The ministry also criticized Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit to Kastellorizo, known as Meis in Türkiye, saying Ankara had closely followed his contacts with military personnel stationed on the island.

It said the presence of military personnel and a warship on Kastellorizo, which was transferred to Greece under the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty on condition that it remain demilitarized, was incompatible with the island’s status and did not contribute to peace and stability.

Türkiye urged Greece “to comply with its obligations arising from international treaties and refrain from activities incompatible with the demilitarized status of the islands.”

The ministry said Ankara supports developing relations with Greece on the basis of good neighborliness and dialogue, while remaining determined to protect its rights and interests under international law.

US arms embargo decision on Greek Cypriot Administration

On Washington’s decision to extend the lifting of its arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot Administration for another year, until Sept. 30, 2027, the ministry said the move could negatively affect the “sensitive balances and environment of trust” on the island.

The ministry urged third parties to avoid actions that could undermine the delicate balance on the island and to abandon practices that disregard the Turkish Cypriot people.

“Türkiye, as a guarantor country, will continue, as it has in the past, to take the necessary measures in cooperation with the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) authorities for the security, peace and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots,” it added.