Türkiye’s UN envoy calls for urgent international intervention amid escalating violence by Israel
Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ahmet Yildiz, holds a press conference at the UN regarding a joint letter initiative led by Türkiye, calling for the cessation of arms transfers to Israel in New York, United States on November 7, 2024. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s United Nations envoy, Ahmet Yildiz, voiced deep concern on Thursday over the escalating violence and continued violations of international law by Israel, calling for urgent international intervention. Speaking on behalf of 52 countries, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Arab League, Yildiz emphasized the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader Palestinian territories.
Addressing a press conference at UN headquarters in New York, Yildiz highlighted a joint letter sent to the UN Security Council on November 1, urging immediate action to stop the flow of weapons and ammunition to Israel. The letter, signed by Türkiye and 52 other countries, called for a cessation of arms supplies to Israel amidst the ongoing violence in Gaza, Lebanon, and other areas in the Middle East.
“This initiative reflects our grave concern over the unprecedented escalation of violence and the blatant violations of international law in Gaza and the broader Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem,” Yildiz stated. He also condemned the toll on civilians, particularly women and children, describing it as “unacceptable and intolerable.”
Yildiz warned that further delays in action could risk sparking a wider regional conflict. He called on the UN Security Council to take “concrete steps” to protect civilians, prevent further violations of international humanitarian law, and bring an end to the ongoing occupation and attacks in the region.
The envoy emphasized the importance of ending the suffering of civilians and restoring a path toward a comprehensive ceasefire, stressing that such measures are not only humanitarian but also moral imperatives. “Ending this grave suffering, implementing a comprehensive cease-fire, and restoring the path toward a just and lasting peace are not only legal and humanitarian imperatives but moral obligations,” he said.
Yildiz also took aim at the United Nations for facing criticism over its handling of the crisis, particularly amid reports of genocide in Gaza. He urged the UN leadership to explore more proactive solutions. “The UN Security Council, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and President of the General Assembly Philemon Yang can explore further creative and proactive means to achieve this cease-fire and also to save the UN,” Yildiz said.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, expressed gratitude for the international support in the letter, stressing that member states should not provide Israel with the means to continue its illegal occupation. “This is a concrete and important step responding to what the General Assembly asked for by a large number of countries,” Mansour said.
The letter, signed by Türkiye and its allies, calls for an end to the arms supply to Israel as a crucial step toward de-escalating the violence and ensuring accountability in the conflict. As the situation continues to worsen, international calls for action intensify, with an emphasis on protecting civilians and working toward a lasting peace in the region.
