ISTANBUL: Turkey has urged an immediate declaration of a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.
Relentless attacks and brutal atrocities on the innocent civilian population of Gaza have continued since October 7, resulting in the deaths of more than 10 thousand innocent civilians, primarily comprising children and women.
In its press release, the Turkish embassy stated that the indiscriminate attacks, viewed as collective punishment on the Palestinian people in all occupied territories, are deemed war crimes and crimes against humanity by Israel. Turkey has called for accountability and justice for these actions.
The statement said that Turkey’s unwavering position since the onset of the conflict has been clear: an immediate end to the hostilities and a declaration of ceasefire. The attacks on civilians must cease without delay, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to flow unimpeded into Gaza.
In an effort to address the dire humanitarian situation, Turkey has sent ten aircraft loads of aid, totaling approximately 215 tons, and a large vessel carrying 50 containers of field hospitals, medical equipment, and other essential assistance materials has arrived in Egypt. However, the effectiveness of these efforts relies on unobstructed access to Gaza.
Turkey asserts that blocking the flow of humanitarian aid, desperately needed in Gaza, is inhumane. Israel is urged to allow all humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza immediately.
In pursuit of a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Turkey supports the vision of a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living in secure and pre-1967 borders, designating East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent, sovereign, and geographically contiguous State of Palestine.
Turkey, a vocal advocate for the rights and safety of the Palestinian people, is actively engaging in international platforms, including the UN, OIC, ECO, and the Organization of Turkic States.
In a significant initiative for peace, Turkey’s First Lady, Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, is hosting the “United for Peace for Palestine” meeting in Istanbul today, bringing together spouses of Heads of States and Governments from friendly and brotherly countries.
The meeting aims to draw international attention to the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, especially among civilians, including children, women, patients, and the disabled. It serves as a call for a just and lasting peace, mobilizing the international community against Israel’s atrocities and attacks.
Spouses of Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar, Mrs. Begum Sadia Rehmat Ullah, and Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani’s wife Mrs. Shaista Jilani, are also participating in this crucial meeting.
