Turkish Parliament Speaker Kurtulmus invites counterparts to pro-Palestine meeting in Istanbul
Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus and Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko (not seen) hold a joint press conference following their bilateral meeting in Ankara, Türkiye on February 27, 2025. (AA Photo)
Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus on Tuesday held separate phone conversations with his counterparts from Palestine, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt, inviting them to the April 18 meeting of the pro-Palestine Parliamentary Speakers Group.
Kurtulmus extended formal invitations to Palestinian National Council President Rawhi Fattouh, UAE Federal National Council Speaker Saqr Ghobash, and Egyptian House of Representatives Speaker Hanafy Ali El Gebali for the meeting in Istanbul, according to a statement from the Turkish Parliament.
The speaker emphasized the importance of national parliaments coordinating efforts to halt the bloodshed in Palestine, rebuild Gaza, and support a lasting peace grounded in a two-state solution.
Kurtulmus also stressed the need for joint international action to restore a ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
Highlighting the role of Palestine’s allies, he urged them to actively support the Palestinian cause across all platforms and use available resources to amplify the Palestinian voice.
He extended his greetings ahead of Ramadan Bayram, also known as Eid al-Fitr, expressing hope that the Laylat al-Qadr, or the “Night of Destiny,” and the holiday would bring peace to Palestine and the broader Muslim world.
Death toll rises as Israeli attacks continue
The Israeli army launched a surprise aerial campaign on Gaza on March 18, killing nearly 800 people, injuring over 1,600, and shattering the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement established in January.
Since October 2023, more than 50,100 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed, and over 113,700 injured during Israel’s military offensive on Gaza.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.
