Mr. President,

I would first like to congratulate you on your assumption of the Presidency of the UN Security Council.

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

As we meet to discuss the situation in the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Palestine is going through one of its most difficult episodes in history.

Violations against historic status quo of the Holy sites, desecration of sanctity of Haram Al-Sharif and brutal stormings at Al Aqsa compound have led to a dangerous escalation of the situation and created a spiral of violence.

Türkiye denounced in the strongest terms the raiding of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli security forces and detention of many Palestinian civilians.

These attacks against the worshipers in al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan are unacceptable.

We engaged in intensive talks before and during the month of Ramadan, particularly with our Israeli counterparts at every level.

We warned about the dangers of such an escalation. We would have had hoped that our warnings were heeded from the beginning.

The situation in other parts of the occupied Palestinian territory is no less alarming.

Illegal settlements, demolitions and evacuations continue unabated.

Settler violence has reached unprecedented levels.

As a result, many Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of this year.

We deeply share the concerns of the international community regarding this dangerous trend on the ground, which could result in catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.

Mr. President,

Türkiye has repeatedly underlined the necessity of addressing the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to bring an end to the plight of the Palestinian people.

The reasons that perpetuate the failure to find a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question runs counter to the founding principles of this Organization.

Ending the occupation is a prerequisite and key for a lasting and sustainable solution to the conflict.

We cannot ensure a lasting peace in the Middle East without an independent, sovereign State of Palestine on the basis of 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

To achieve this goal, there is an urgent need to return to the political path and to accelerate the efforts towards revitalizing the peace process.

Financial, administrative and security capacity of the Palestinian State should also be substantially supported. We cannot expect the overall situation to get better unless the living and security conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory are improved.

Mr. President,

The powerful earthquakes of February 6th that struck Türkiye and Syria, also affected Lebanon and had a negative impact on the difficult living conditions of the Palestinian refugees in Syria and Lebanon.

UNRWA has proven once again its vital role in providing emergency assistance in times of crisis.

Despite financial constraints, the Agency has quickly mobilized to meet humanitarian and early recovery needs of the Palestinian refugees.

We call on all countries to support the crucial work of UNRWA.

The Agency’s long-term financial stability must be established so that its life-line services for millions of Palestine refugees can continue.

Mr. President,

We remain hopeful that one day Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security.

Türkiye will continue to support all efforts towards finding a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on two states vision.

Türkiye’s unwavering support to the Palestinian people in achieving their inalienable rights, including the right to live in their own sovereign and independent state will continue.

Thank you.