PKK Declares Ceasefire Following Abdullah Öcalan’s Call to Disarm

The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has announced its decision to disband and formally end its armed conflict against the Turkish state, marking a significant shift in its 40-year history. The announcement was made following the conclusion of the PKK's 12th Congress held last week in northern Iraq, where the group has been based, according to Firat news agency. In a closing declaration, the PKK stated, "The PKK 12th Congress decided to dissolve the PKK's organizational structure and end the armed struggle." This move comes after a February appeal from Abdullah Ocalan, the group's founder, who has been imprisoned since 1999. Turkish officials have called the disbandment "historic" and "important," suggesting that it could pave the way for peace and stability in the region. The PKK has been involved in a long-standing insurgency that has resulted in significant casualties and unrest in Turkey and surrounding areas. The disbandment is seen as a potential turning point in Kurdish-Turkish relations.

A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul on April 23, 2025, according to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The quake, one of the strongest in recent years, occurred at 12:49 PM local time, with its epicenter in Silivri, approximately 80 kilometers west of the city. It reached a depth of about 6.92 kilometers. While there were no immediate reports of widespread damage, the quake prompted residents to evacuate buildings as it shook the metropolis of 16 million people, situated on both the European and Asian coasts of the Bosphorus Strait. However, a local broadcaster reported that one individual sustained injuries after jumping from a balcony during the tremor, which coincided with a public holiday in Turkey. The German Research Centre for Geosciences measured the quake's magnitude slightly lower at 6.0 and noted a depth of 10 kilometers. AFAD has advised caution, warning residents against entering any damaged structures in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for the destruction of Israel during his Eid al-Fitr prayer on March 30, 2025, at the Grand Camlica Mosque in Istanbul. Speaking to attendees, Erdogan stated, “May Allah damn Zionist Israel,” as reported by Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency. Erdogan addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, expressing his solidarity with Palestinians. He emphasized the high civilian casualties in Gaza, lamenting, “The genocide taking place in Gaza... will tear the hearts of anyone with a shred of conscience.” He criticized the international community, particularly Western countries, for their perceived inaction, stating that such negligence emboldens oppressors. The remarks drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who labeled Erdogan’s statements as antisemitic and a threat to regional stability. Sa’ar urged NATO members to recognize Erdogan's dangerous rhetoric before it becomes too late to mitigate its impact. The heightened tensions signal an ongoing geopolitical strain as Turkey continues to voice strong opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza.