Mr President,

We thank you for convening this open debate, and also thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing.

Mr. President,

Today’s meeting takes place at a critical juncture. Challenges facing the State of Palestine and the Palestinian people have grown immensely.

We note with deep regret and concern that 2022 was the deadliest year since the UN started to record civilian fatalities in the occupied Palestinian territory in 2005.

Israel’s unilateral steps - namely the expansion of illegal settlements, demolitions, forced evictions and increased loss of life in the occupied Palestinian territory - are serious cause for concern, and continue to undermine the perspective for a two-state solution to the conflict.

The international community cannot turn a blind eye to the alarming situation.

The additional punitive measures by the Israeli officials against the Palestinian people and leadership do not help to solve any issues. We call on Israel to reconsider this policy.

Mr President,

Continuing violations against the sanctity and status of Haram Al Sharif, including the provocation earlier this month at Al-Aqsa Mosque are unacceptable, and adds to the serious concerns about what lies ahead.

Türkiye condemned this blatant act of violation.

The status of Haram Al Sharif must remain above domestic political considerations.

Mr President,

The lack of interest by the international community to find a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question is deeply frustrating.

The situation in the occupied territory is not sustainable and is also a major source of destabilization in the wider region.

There cannot be lasting peace in the Middle East without an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the basis of 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Until and unless Israel’s unilateral acts come to an end, tension and imminent risk of escalation will continue to be present.

Ending the occupation is a prerequisite and key for solution.

A genuine peace deal to end the occupation should be the objective for all parties concerned.

Similarly, in order to contain tensions, the international community should collectively prioritize the preservation of the sanctity and status of Haram Al Sharif.

In all these efforts, the UN Security Council and its members have a special responsibility that they cannot abstain from.

Mr. President,

UNRWA plays a vital role in delivering on our joint responsibility as international community to provide assistance to the Palestine refugees until a just solution is found to their problems.

We welcome the renewal of Agency’s mandate last month by the General Assembly until 30 June 2026.

Equally significant is to ensure the Agency’s financial stability, so that its life-line services for millions of Palestine refugees can continue.

We strongly encourage all to provide generous financial support to UNRWA.

For its part, Türkiye continued its annual contribution of 10 million Dollars in 2022 as well as 26 tons of in-kind contribution of flour.

We also look forward to the Secretary General’s proposals for consideration by the relevant committees at the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly with a view to a gradual increase in the UN regular budget allocation to the Agency.

Mr President,

Let me conclude by reiterating Türkiye’s continued support to all efforts towards finding a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Türkiye’s support is unwavering to the Palestinian people in reaching their long-delayed right to live in their own sovereign and independent state.

Thank you.