Some countries encourage Israel in Gaza, says deputy FM

Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Yildiz emphasizes the need for a cease-fire in Gaza, emphasizing Türkiye’s stance on regional conflicts and human rights issues during his representation at the U.N. Human Rights Council

Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Yildiz said countries call for a cease-fire to open the way to peace and a solution during a conflict. However, some countries do not want the same for Gaza.

“Usually, when there is a conflict, other countries call for a cease-fire to open the way for peace and a solution. Unfortunately, some countries did not do this in Gaza, and they encouraged Israel,” Yildiz said.

Yildiz is in Geneva to attend the 55th Session of the United Nations (U.N.) Human Rights Council.

The Turkish official mentioned that on Feb. 26, he presented an oral statement on behalf of Türkiye at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, discussing the legal consequences of Israel’s practices in the occupied Palestinian territories. 

“We made an oral presentation summarizing that, in addition to our written submission, we also covered the recent developments in Gaza. We emphasized the illegality of the occupation, the fact the occupation practices have exceeded the limits, the intentional prolongation of the occupation, it is becoming unbearable, the necessity for it to end, the need to respect the historical status of Jerusalem and the holy sites, and above all, the urgent need for a ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations based on two states,” he said.

Yildiz noted he represented Türkiye at the U.N. Human Rights Council in the absence of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and addressed the situation in Gaza and Palestine, as well as issues related to Cyprus, the Kashmir dispute, and other human rights matters.

Türkiye is not a member of the Human Rights Council but Yildiz expressed hope to become part of the council.

He underlined that Türkiye-related issues are discussed in the Human Rights Council, but occasional malicious or misguided approaches exist.

‘Israel’s excessive use of force has crossed the line’

Yildiz emphasized that while there are various conflicts worldwide, the situation in Gaza is different. 

“We want a cease-fire as soon as possible. We are a regional state, a state affected by the conflict and instability in the region. There are already enough conflicts in our region. The solution to the problem is clear: two states. A U.N. decision determines the borders, but hopefully, they will be finalized through negotiations,” he added.

Yildiz stated discussions continue to end the conflicts in Gaza, emphasizing that the top priority is a cease-fire.

“Apart from the ceasefire, there are efforts for a hostage exchange, the exchange of civilians and prisoners, and hopefully a return to the negotiating table… A great effort is required from the countries in the region. They have formed a Contact Group of eight ministers, and Minister Fidan is a member. They are lobbying for an immediate cease-fire and subsequently for negotiations to be conducted not at the discretion of Israel but under the supervision and guarantee of international parties. Hopefully, we will succeed,” he said.

‘We will do our best’

Responding to a question about Türkiye’s appointment as the Permanent Representative to the U.N., Yildiz stated he has taken on a high-responsibility role, which could be the last foreign assignment in his career.

“We will do our best. It is an important place where our country is represented, and almost every issue is discussed. Almost every issue is discussed there. Currently, the Gaza issue is the number one issue on the agenda of the U.N. Security Council. Even though it is blocked because of a country’s veto, there are different mechanisms there.”

“Through those channels, we will hopefully create pressure on the occupying power and its supporters. We will hopefully complete this mission with honor. This is a favor, something that every Turkish diplomat would want. Our esteemed Minister proposed, our President appreciated, and now it is up to us to be worthy of it,” the minister concluded.

Source: AA

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