Main opposition CHP leader Ozel to meet Palestinian President Abbas

Speaking at a Socialist International meeting in New York, Türkiye’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel announced plans to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the coming days.

Main opposition leader Ozel described a recent productive phone call with Abbas, saying, “I shared my feelings of solidarity with the Palestinian people. He invited me to Palestine. I will visit in the coming days.”

He also highlighted the devastating impact of Israel’s year-long assault on Palestine, noting that more than 41,000 people have died in Gaza, over half of whom are women and children.

Meanwhile, he criticized Israel’s ongoing actions since October 7, stating, “The U.N. has failed to find solutions to conflicts worldwide, especially in Gaza.”

‘US must fulfill its responsibilities’

Ozel called on the U.S. to fulfill its responsibilities, recalling the death of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi at the hands of Israeli soldiers during West Bank protests.

“The U.S. administration has not even been able to protect the rights of its own citizens against Israel,” he said.

“Our call is for them to abandon this passive stance and fulfill their responsibilities toward Aysenur,” Ozel added.

He urged the Socialist International to support Eygi and others affected, emphasizing that the global response to the massacres in Palestine has been insufficient.

Ozel propeses next meeting in Ramallah to support Palestine

Despite the challenges, Ozel expressed optimism over the recognition of Palestine by some European countries.

He called for the Socialist International to take active steps toward achieving an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, facilitating humanitarian aid, and securing the release of hostages.

Meanwhile, Ozel proposed holding the next meeting in Ramallah to demonstrate seriousness and sincerity regarding the situation in Palestine. “To declare our commitment to the cause, I suggest we hold our next meeting there,” he stated.

Main opposition leader slams UN

Ozel also criticized the United Nations, stating it has failed to achieve sustainable development goals, improve global income distribution, or resolve conflicts worldwide. “We see that the U.N. has not fulfilled its responsibilities,” he remarked.

He highlighted concerns about the U.N. Security Council, where the five permanent members hold significant power. Calling for a more effective, democratic, and just U.N. structure, Ozel added:

It is not right that the victors of a past war remain the sole authority on solutions to current problems.

CHP leader Ozgur Ozel

Calling on EU for refugee crisis

Addressing the refugee crisis, Ozel warned Europe that neglecting Turkey in this matter could exacerbate right-wing extremism.

“If you leave Türkiye alone with the refugee problem, you push society toward harmful policies,” he said, noting that failing to address the issue would lead to larger challenges for both Türkiye and Europe.