Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday that the region is now paying a "heavy economic price" for wars raging in it. "We are living through days when the sounds of missiles and bombs drown out the cries of children, and no one can predict what will happen tomorrow or where weapons will erupt," Erdogan said at a ceremony marking the opening of some projects in Istanbul.

According to Qatar News Agency, Erdogan emphasized that before the Russia-Ukraine war has concluded, the Middle East is bearing the heavy economic consequences of ongoing conflicts. He highlighted that bloodshed continues unabated in Gaza and Lebanon, stating, "In Gaza and Lebanon, Zionist killers continue to shed blood by trampling on every law, rule and principle."

Erdogan further pointed out that while issues in the Black Sea persist, "new plots" are being devised and "new games" are unfolding in the Eastern Mediterranean. He remarked that the region and the world are experiencing one of the most critical periods since World War II, with crises emerging one after another before the previous ones are resolved.

The Turkish President's comments come amid heightened diplomatic efforts by his country to prevent further escalation. Turkey remains firm that a political solution and dialogue are essential to avoid a widespread regional explosion, which could have significant repercussions for all countries in the region and the world.