Türkiye presses NATO to intervene in Gaza crisis

Türkiye’s Parliament Speaker, Numan Kurtulmus, called on NATO allies to take a stand against Israel’s actions in Gaza during a NATO parliamentary summit in the United States on Tuesday.

Kurtulmus emphasized that NATO, as the most powerful defense organization in the world, cannot ignore the pressing global issue of the human catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. He stated, “This bloodshed and the massacres of Israel must be stopped.”

Kurtulmus, who is in the U.S. until July 10 for the summit, highlighted the grave risk of the situation escalating into a regional war. He urged NATO members to align with a common front of humanity that champions fairness and justice. “We call on allies to declare ‘no more’ to Netanyahu government’s aggression,” he added.

Türkiye has demanded an immediate permanent cease-fire, unhindered humanitarian access, and a two-state solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict, Kurtulmus stressed. He also extended his thanks to US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and the American Congress for hosting the summit, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of NATO’s establishment.

Ukraine Conflict

Addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Kurtulmus reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, including Crimea.

He noted, “We have been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to reach a just and lasting solution to the war,” and emphasized the importance of maintaining democratic resilience in countries supported by NATO, including Ukraine. Kurtulmus expressed condolences for the losses suffered by Ukraine in recent Russian attacks.

Terrorism

On the topic of terrorism, Kurtulmus described it as “the most direct asymmetric threat” to NATO’s security. He pointed out that Türkiye has faced more terrorist attacks than any other NATO ally and remains resolute in its fight against organizations such as Daesh, FETO, PKK, and its offshoot in Syria, the PYD/YPG. Kurtulmus called for allies to act in good faith and solidarity.

He criticized the contradiction of NATO’s defense expenditure goals while Türkiye, safeguarding NATO’s southern front, faces arms restrictions from some allies, despite decisions made at last year’s NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. “Türkiye’s commitment to the broader objectives of NATO and well-known contributions to the missions should be well understood,” he added.

Kurtulmus stressed the responsibility of NATO members to stand together to prevent war and preserve peace, advocating for increased consultations through the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to develop a viable peace perspective. He noted the current turbulent climate’s potential to spill over and the international governance’s diminished ability to respond to global crises.

He concluded by highlighting the two main principles for building a just international system: equality of all human beings in their rights and dignity, and sovereign equality of all states.