Türkiye urges UN members to support resolution on Palestine
Türkiye’s permanent representative to the UN, Ahmet Yildiz, on Tuesday called on all UN member states to back a General Assembly resolution on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue.
Addressing the Assembly, Yildiz described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “alarming,” noting that more than 70,000 people have died amid ongoing hostilities and the collapse of essential infrastructure. He said whole neighborhoods have been destroyed, though recent diplomatic developments show “encouraging signs” of broader international support for a two-state solution. These include a high-level conference in July, the formal recognition of Palestine by 11 countries in September, and the adoption of the New York Declaration.
Yildiz welcomed the recently established ceasefire in Gaza and urged full implementation of related agreements, including UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and a 20-point peace plan. He called for unhindered humanitarian aid, early reconstruction efforts, and steps to prevent regional spillover violence.
The Turkish envoy also voiced concern over rising tensions in the occupied West Bank, citing settlement expansion, settler violence, and restrictions on civic and economic life. Türkiye, he said, “strongly condemns” violations of the status quo at Al-Haram Al-Sharif.
Welcoming the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations in the occupied territories, Yildiz reiterated that a durable peace requires a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state. He added that Türkiye stands ready to support ceasefire implementation and contribute to coordinated diplomatic efforts toward a comprehensive political settlement.
