Türkiye condemns Israeli occupation of Palestine at UN court
Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Yildiz calls for international action against Israeli occupation of Palestine, citing violations of human rights and the urgent need to protect civilians
In his address at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Yildiz condemned the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, urging the international community to take decisive action.
Yildiz began by highlighting the concerning deviation of some states from their commitment to upholding the 1967 borders, citing a lack of political will among certain nations. He stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, is bound by international law to respect the rights of the Palestinian people.
“The violations of human rights in Palestine must not go unchecked,” Yildiz asserted. “Every action taken by Israel to alter the status and character of the Palestinian state must be met with international scrutiny.”
Expressing deep concern over Israel’s unilateral practices, Yildiz called for a temporal and spatial division to address the ongoing violations. He emphasized the grave impact on the Muslim community’s basic human rights and pointed to the critical role of Jordan in cease-fire efforts.
“Israel’s actions, including the confiscation of land, establishment of new settlements, and violations of human rights, are clear breaches of international law,” the deputy foreign minister stated.
‘Threat to global security’
Yildiz underscored that the situation in Palestine is not just a regional concern but a threat to global security, particularly as civilians, especially women and children, bear the brunt of the conflict.
“With 2.3 million people living under full blockade by Israel, we witness hospitals, refugee camps, and schools being targeted,” Yildiz lamented. “These attacks have transformed into collective punishment against innocent civilians.”
The deputy foreign minister also highlighted the rising threats of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, condemning the double standards that Palestinians have endured for decades.
Türkiye committed to peace
In a resolute call to action, Yildiz urged the ICJ to declare Israel’s policies and practices illegal under international law. He emphasized that Israel must respect the international status quo of Jerusalem, a city of great significance to multiple faiths.
“Türkiye remains committed to its efforts for a lasting peace in the region,” Yildiz concluded, reaffirming Türkiye’s unwavering support for the rights and well-being of the Palestinian people.
The address by Yildiz reflects Türkiye’s steadfast stance against the occupation of Palestinian territories and its call for justice and peace in the region.
