ISTANBUL

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned Friday that Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza and across Palestine threaten to engulf the entire region in conflict if not stopped.

Speaking at an extraordinary session of the Turkish parliament on Gaza, Fidan said Israel has been “committing genocide in Gaza for the past two years, ignoring basic humanitarian values right before the world’s eyes.”

He said Türkiye has cut off all trade with Israel, closed its airspace to Israeli aircraft, and does not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports.

Fidan added that Ankara opposes any proposal that envisions the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, calling such plans “invalid.”

He pointed out that nearly the entire world has left Israel isolated over its attacks on Palestine, stressing that Israel continues its assaults only with US support.

Emphasizing that the real issue behind the tragedy in Gaza is the inability of the post-World War II order to respond to today’s challenges, he said: “This is what we call the legitimacy crisis of the international system."

The foreign minister emphasized the importance of halting arms transfers to Israel, saying: "In this context, with the participation of 52 countries, we launched a significant international initiative at the UN, calling for an end to the supply of weapons and ammunition that feed Israel's war machine."

Fidan noted that, while taking all of these steps, Türkiye has played an important role in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations through both intelligence and open diplomacy. "By continuing our talks with the parties, we have strived to take steps that would facilitate the establishment of a cease-fire as soon as possible on the path to lasting peace."

He stressed that as a result of Türkiye’s anti-oppression stance and efforts, countries that once supported Israel have begun to embrace the concept of a two-state solution.

“The initiatives we have led and actively participated in have played an important role in many countries’ decisions to recognize Palestine. Indeed, countries including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, and Australia announced their intention to recognize the State of Palestine in September.

"This marks a historic turning point in international diplomacy on the Palestinian issue. The fact that these countries have now begun to voice loudly their demand for an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is a long overdue but highly valuable step,” he added.

He said the atrocities committed in Gaza “have been recorded as one of the darkest chapters in human history.”

The Turkish foreign minister described the Palestinian resistance as a struggle that “will alter the course of history, become a symbol for the oppressed, and shake the foundations of a decaying order.” 

Türkiye ready for Gaza aid airdrops, awaits Jordan’s green light  

Fidan said Türkiye worked with Jordan on airdrops to Gaza, emphasizing that while such drops are Israel's cosmetic move under pressure, every bit of aid matters.

He pointed out that since Turkish Armed Forces aircraft delivering aid would have to use Jordanian airspace, Amman's consent is required, and that the issue has already been discussed with Jordan.

He said they repeatedly told the Jordanians that Türkiye is ready to provide whatever is needed. “We told the Jordanians several times, ‘Let us come; we are ready to provide whatever aircraft you need.’ Probably, they could not resolve this matter with Israel."

The foreign minister added: "Jordan allows those countries that have coordinated well with Israel to enter and deliver. We asked, ‘What else do you need?’ They replied, ‘We need parachutes for airdropping cargo.’ Our Armed Forces immediately sent them. Our planes are ready. Once Jordan gives us approval through coordination on opening its airspace, we can set off immediately; it’s no problem.”   

Israel's regional attacks on Lebanon, Yemen, Syria and Iran  

Fidan also condemned Israel’s broader regional strikes, saying: “Israel’s reckless attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran are the clearest sign of a terrorist state mentality defying international order.”

On Syria, he stressed that Türkiye “will not allow Syria’s ancient and valuable communities to be exploited" for distorted goals against Syria's territorial integrity.

During the session, Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus also called for “concrete steps” against Israel, including suspending its memberships in international organizations such as the UN, until it abandons “genocidal policies.”

After 22 months of relentless conflict, the global hunger monitor Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said over half a million people in the Gaza Strip are facing starvation, destitution, and death, while another 1.07 million people -- over half the population -- are facing emergency levels of acute food insecurity.

Israel has killed around 63,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.    

Türkiye halted all trade with Israel in May 2024  

Türkiye reduced its trade with Israel by around 30% in the seven-month period between Oct. 7, 2023, and May 2, 2024.

On April 9, 2024, the Turkish government halted exports of 1,019 products in 54 product groups.

As of May 2, 2024, exports, imports, and transit trade with Israel remain completely suspended across all product groups, with no trade taking place through customs or free trade zones—bringing trade with Israel down to zero.