Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan has criticized the international system, saying that Israel’s war on Gaza has exposed its hierarchical nature.
Fidan said at the Global Diplomacy and Future of Palestine conference in Ankara that what’s happening in Gaza is a “living testimony” to the fact that the international system has been “designed, used, and abused to the privilege of a few.”
The conference aims to keep the Palestinian people’s rightful cause at the forefront of international discussion.
He referred to the situation in Gaza as a genocide, saying that “42,000 people, mostly women and children, have been murdered, killed, intentionally and systematically.”
Also, he criticized attempts to justify the deaths as collateral damage and denounced the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations, saying, “It’s not us. This is the machine. It kills.”
Fidan emphasized that the tragedy is not new but has been going on for 70 years, and expressed deep frustration with the international community.
“Unfortunately, the international community – starting with ourselves, the Muslim community and the Arab community – has been useless, powerless, and hopeless in stopping this ongoing tragedy.”
Hakan Fidan
Furthermore, urged immediate action warning unless a solution is found the Gaza conflict will escalate into a larger regional and global crisis.
The Turkish Foreign Minister reiterated his country’s stance on the two-state solution as the only viable path to peace, saying, “If Palestinians have their own country, land, freedom, dignity, why would they need to fight?”
He called on the global community to push for a two-state solution, noting that over 150 countries have recognized Palestine at the UN.
Fidan urged immediate action, warning that unless a solution is found, the conflict will escalate into a larger regional and global crisis.
Israel has continued a brutal offensive on Gaza following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 last year, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.
Nearly 42,300 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 98,600 injured, according to local health authorities.
The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of the Gaza Strip amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.
Mediation efforts led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to reach a Gaza cease-fire and prisoner swap agreement between Israel and Hamas have failed.
Conference Aimed At Leading To Beneficial Outcomes For Future Of Palestine
Moreover, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made significant statements during the conference on the future of Palestine.
In his speech, President Erdogan warmly greeted the attendees and expressed his hope that the conference would lead to beneficial outcomes for the future of Palestine.
He emphasized the significance of Jerusalem and extended his respect to those fighting for the sanctity of this holy city.
He expressed his condolences for the Palestinian and Lebanese individuals mercilessly killed by the “Zionist regime” and paid tribute to all martyrs in Palestine and Lebanon. He noted that the ongoing attacks have revealed the true face of Zionism to the world.
The President also commemorated significant figures of the Palestinian struggle and political “martyrs,” praising the bravery of Palestinian resistance fighters. He prayed for all of Palestine and Lebanon who were killed by Israel.
Erdogan emphasized that the conference would address the Palestinian issue through three key topics, stating that such international events help advance the Palestinian people’s struggle for their rights.
He emphasized that Israel’s attacks have once again brought the Palestinian issue to global attention, serving as a wake-up call for humanity.
Reaffirming Türkiye’s support for the Palestinian people, Erdogan assured that developments in the region are being closely monitored.
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