Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced today, Thursday, that the United States alone stands as a barrier between the massacre in the Gaza Strip and a ceasefire. He emphasized that Washington should not interfere with the implementation of United Nations resolutions.
During a press conference in Baku, Fidan stated, “We expect the United States to no longer obstruct the implementation of United Nations decisions. Currently, the only thing preventing a ceasefire from stopping the massacre in the Gaza Strip is the United States.” According to him, Ankara calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the beginning of a peace process to end attacks on Palestinians.
Fidan noted that the voting results on the resolution in the United Nations Security Council show those who support Israel that the international community is committed to ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Previously, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Yasin Akram Srim stated, “What we need in Gaza is not a temporary humanitarian truce, but a permanent ceasefire.”
Earlier, the United States used its veto power in the United Nations Security Council against a UAE-proposed resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the unconditional release of all hostages. Later, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a similar resolution, which the United States voted against. Unlike the resolutions of the UN Security Council, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding.
Turkey has taken a firm stance on the situation in Gaza, particularly regarding the call for a ceasefire. The Turkish government has been vocal in its criticism of Israel’s actions in the region and has shown a strong inclination towards supporting Palestinian causes.
Recently, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan canceled a trip to Israel, describing the ongoing conflict in Gaza as “inhumane.” This cancellation reflects Turkey’s critical view of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Erdogan has also been outspoken at pro-Palestinian rallies, labeling Israel as an “occupier.”
In a notable display of solidarity with the people of Gaza, a “Freedom convoy for Palestine” was organized in Turkey. This event saw cars and vans, adorned with Palestinian and some Turkish flags, departing from Istanbul and heading towards the Incirlik Air Base in Adana. The convoy was organized by the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), a Turkish non-profit, and was joined by local pro-Palestine groups and some international activists. The convoy aimed to protest against US support for Israel and to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza has been critical, with continuous air bombardments and a ground assault in the northern part of Gaza by Israel, leading to significant civilian casualties. These developments have sparked widespread protests in Turkey against the war in Gaza, reflecting the country’s strong stance in favor of an immediate ceasefire and support for the Palestinian people.
