Madame President,

We thank you for convening this open debate. We welcome the briefing by the Special Coordinator.

For Muslims around the world, including in Palestine, Ramadan is the holiest of all months. A time that should be defined by nothing but peace and calm.

Yet what we have seen so far in Jerusalem is only increased tension. This is deeply concerning. Since the beginning of Ramadan, many civilians, including children, lost their lives as a result of the operations of the Israeli security forces in the West Bank. Over 400 Palestinians were injured during the events in the West Bank and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Israeli security forces' intervention towards the Muslims who were present in Al-Aqsa Mosque for prayers on 15 April was unacceptable and we strongly condemned it.

We reiterate our calls for restraint during this holy month of Ramadan which also coincided with the Jewish Passover.

Further provocations and threats against the status and sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque must be prevented.

Madame President,

We also condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Israel. Maintaining calm during this sensitive period is critical.

We take note of Israeli authorities’ decision to close Al-Aqsa Mosque to non-Muslims until the end of Ramadan. This was an important step in the right direction towards restoring calm, especially in Jerusalem.

President Erdoğan has been in contact with President Abbas of Palestine, President Herzog of Israel and King Abdullah II of Jordan as well as with the UN Secretary General in order to contribute to the efforts to secure calm in the region. We will resolutely continue these efforts.

What is essential, however, is to move beyond addressing the periodic tensions and escalations and focus on the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This is the only way to a lasting peace and stability in the region.

Towards that objective, there is no alternative to a two-state solution based on established parameters.

Madame President,

Millions of Palestine refugees rely on the lifesaving assistance of UNRWA. It is essential that these services continue to be provided in a sustainable, predictable, uninterrupted manner.

Türkiye will continue to support UNRWA’s vital work - both financially and politically. We look forward to hosting the Commissioner General soon in Türkiye for comprehensive discussions.

Meanwhile, it is imperative that we follow through with our collective responsibility to support the Palestinians in their endeavours to overcome the injustice and challenges facing the Palestinian people.

Economic and humanitarian steps are important but not enough to bring peace. There is an urgent need to address the root causes of this conflict.

It is important that both sides continue working on a variety of confidence building measures to prepare the ground for the revival of peace negotiations.

The UN also should play the critical roles it has assumed, including as a member of the Quartet.

Madame President,

I would like to end by reiterating Türkiye’s unwavering support to the Palestinian people in reaching their long-delayed right to live in a sovereign and independent State of Palestine based on the borders of 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Thank you.