‘Israel’s disregard for international law jeopardizes the entire regional order’: Türkiye’s UN envoy

Türkiye’s Ambassador to the UN in Vienna lambasts Israel for ignoring calls to halt attacks and provide aid to Gaza despite UN resolutions

Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) in Vienna, Ambassador Levent Eler, stated that Israel continues to disregard calls to cease attacks, end massacres, and provide uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite resolutions from the UN Security Council.

Ambassador Eler delivered a speech at the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Commission within the UN Vienna Office, addressing Türkiye’s approach to combating terrorism, its stance on the ongoing war in Ukraine, and Israel’s attacks in Gaza.

Eler emphasized that Israel’s disregard for international law jeopardizes the entire regional and global order.

Reminding the international community of Türkiye’s decision to intervene in the case brought by South Africa against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“Despite resolutions from the UN Security Council, Israel continues to ignore calls to cease attacks, end massacres, and provide uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza,” he said. 

Expressing Türkiye’s satisfaction with the recent UN General Assembly resolutions expanding Palestine’s rights and privileges at the UN, Eler underscored that a just solution based on the two-state vision in the Middle East is essential for achieving lasting peace.

Solidarity and determination in counterterrorism efforts

Eler also addressed Türkiye’s fight against terrorism, highlighting the role of organized crime in fueling terrorist organizations.

Pointing out Türkiye’s efforts against various terrorist groups including PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG, FETÖ, and ISIS, Eler stated, “Numerous operations conducted by Turkish security forces reveal the grim reality of the strong connections between human traffickers and organized crime groups with terrorist organizations. These groups largely finance their activities through organized crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling.”

Eler emphasized Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to continue its resolute fight against the extensions and collaborators of terrorist organizations in various countries under different names.

“Given that terrorism poses a serious threat to global peace and security, we expect genuine solidarity and determination from the international community,” he said. 

Türkiye’s efforts to sustain peace in the region

Eler reiterated Türkiye’s determination to combat human trafficking and manage irregular migration, emphasizing the importance of international, regional, and bilateral cooperation in addressing the global phenomenon of migration and advocating for a comprehensive and sustainable approach.

Highlighting Türkiye’s support for a negotiated solution to the conflict in Ukraine since its inception, Eler stated that Türkiye will continue to actively support all diplomatic efforts for a sustainable and just peace based on international law.

Eler concluded by stating that addressing racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and discrimination is paramount to reducing crime rates, enhancing social cohesion, and promoting the rule of law.

Within the Commission, a joint declaration against Islamophobia and intolerance in the field of religion was read, including the participation of 30 states including Türkiye, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Iran.

Source: Newsroom