Turkish foreign minister calls on UN to halt Israel’s Gaza offensive
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (Photo: Getty Images)
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan strongly condemned Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip and called on the United Nations to prevent further escalation of the conflict in the region, according to TRT Global.
During his speech at the UN Security Council on July 16, Fidan accused the Israeli military of committing genocide against the population of the Gaza Strip and described the enclave as having already become a concentration camp.
He highlighted the mass displacement of people, widespread destruction, and the deliberate blocking of humanitarian aid in the region.
According to the minister, civilians are being indiscriminately killed at aid distribution points while trying to get food and water, and hunger is being used as a weapon of war.
“As we gather in this hall today, Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people continues unabated. Over 2 million people are enduring unspeakable suffering in Gaza,” the minister stated.
Violation of humanitarian law
During his speech, Fidan also accused Israel of breaching all fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.
He warned that the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has become a test of global moral resolve and emphasized that this cannot continue.
“Only the United Nations can ensure effective, neutral, and dignified aid delivery. The core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence must be upheld,” he stated.
Risk of regional war
Additionally, Fidan warned that Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip risks sparking a wider escalation in the region.
He emphasized that this strategy of aggression is spreading not only to Palestine but also to Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, and that Israeli strikes in Syria threaten the fragile peace won at great cost.
The Turkish Foreign Minister called on the international community to prevent further escalation and to stop Syria from sliding back into chaos.
Palestinian state and criticism of the UN
The Turkish Foreign Minister expressed Ankara’s support for full international recognition of the State of Palestine and its membership in the United Nations, calling it a necessary condition for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
At the conclusion of his speech, the minister sharply criticized the UN Security Council, saying it has let down the people of Gaza and dishonored human dignity.
According to him, this is no longer just a humanitarian catastrophe but a test of our shared humanity.
Fidan called for an immediate end to impunity, a swift and sustainable ceasefire, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and a renewed commitment to the two-state solution.
Türkiye’s criticism of Israel
For over a year, the Turkish president and government have regularly criticized Israel for its military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which began in October 2023.
In early May 2024, Ankara suspended trade with Israel and stated it would resume only after an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza is ensured.
In June this year, Turkish President Recep Erdoğan made emotional remarks about Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities.
At the same time, Israel has expressed concern over the withdrawal of US troops from Syria, believing that this move will allow Türkiye to increase its influence in the region.
