Our Palestinian Cause Our Palestinian Cause ISBN: 978-625-7377-18-8 Contact Kızılırmak Mahallesi Mevlana Bulv. No:144 Çankaya Ankara/TÜRKİYE T +90 312 590 20 00 | webinfo@iletisim.gov.tr Prestij Grafik Rek. ve Mat. San. ve Tic. Ltd. Şti. T 0 212 489 40 63, İstanbul Printing Certificate No: 45590 Print 1st Edition, İstanbul, 2024 © 2024 PUBLICATIONS BY PRESIDENCY’S DIRECTORATE OF COMMUNICATIONS Publisher Certificate No: 45482 Our Palestinian Cause TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S Our Palestinian Cause CHAPTER 1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE 1.1. Balfour Declaration and the British Mandate 18 1.2. United Nations (UN) Period in Palestine 21 1.3. ‘Nakba’ and 1948 Arab-Israeli War 21 1.4. 1967 “Six Day War” 22 1.5. 1973 Yom Kippur War 22 1.6. Negotiations and the Rise of Far Right in Israel 24 1.7. 1978 Camp David Accords and 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty 24 1.8. Israeli Occupation of Lebanon and Sabra-Shatila Massacre 25 1.9. First Intifada and Declaration of State of Palestine 26 1.10. 1991 Madrid Peace Conference and Oslo Accords 30 1.11. Second Intifada and Arab Peace Initiative 31 1.12. Middle East Quartet, Sharm El Sheikh Summit and Annapolis Conference 32 1.13. 2008-2009 Gaza Attack: Operation ‘Cast Lead’ 32 1.14. 2014 Gaza Attack: Operation ‘Protective Edge’ 33 1.15. United Nations General Assembly and Security Council Resolutions and the Palestinian Issue 34 1.16. The Purpose and Content of the So-Called Peace Plan Prepared During the Tenure of US President Donald Trump 36 1.16.1. Land Arrangements 37 1.16.2. Issue of Palestinian Refugees 38 1.16.3. Palestinian State 39 1.16.4. Religious Arrangements 39 1.17. Israel’s Hasbara 41 1.18. Instrument and Representation of Violence for Israel: WALL 42 1.19. Blockaded Gaza Strip 43 PREFACE 9 President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan CHAPTER 2 ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 2.1. Critical Developments Between October 7th 2023 and April 20th 2024 49 2.2. War Crimes in International Criminal Law 118 2.3. War Crimes Committed by Israel According to International Criminal Law 129 2.4. Genocide 146 2.5. Urbicide 157 2.6. Ecocide 165 2.7. Comparing Israel’s Massacre with Other Wars 180 2.8. Dismantling of Infrastructure in Palestine 187 2.9. Hospitals Bombed by Israel 188 2.10. Educational Institutions Bombed by Israel 195 2.11. Religious Sites Bombed by Israel and the Obstruction of Freedom 199 2.12. Historical Monuments Bombed by Israel 225 2.13. Sites of International Organizations Bombed by Israel 228 2.14. Israel’s Attacks on Refugee Camps 231 2.15. Palestine After Israeli Attacks 235 CHAPTER 3 CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS 3.1. Children and Women Killed in Israeli Attacks 255 3.2. Medical Personnel Killed in Israeli Attacks 271 3.3. Press Members Killed in Israeli Attacks 275 3.4. UN Officials Killed in Israeli Attacks 280 CHAPTER 4 STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES 4.1. Israeli Officials’ Statements Fueling the Conflict 287 4.2. Statements by Palestinian Authorities in Response to Israeli Persecution 311 4.3. Statements by Hamas Officials in Response to Israeli Persecution 348 CHAPTER 5 THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE 5.1. Steps Taken by the United Nations to Resolve the Israeli-Palestinian Issue 375 5.2. UN Secretary-General’s Remarks Criticising Israeli Atrocities 379 5.3. International Organisations’ Overt Support for Palestine 387 5.4. Social Reactions to Israeli Atrocities 400 CHAPTER 6 REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA 6.1. World Leaders’ Open Support to Palestine 405 6.2. Reflections of Palestine’s Just Cause in the World Press 437 6.3. Rallies in Support of Palestine and Protests against Israel around the World 483 6.4. Press Reflections of the National and International Support for Palestine by Scientific, Cultural, Artistic and Sports Communities and Activists 501 6.5. Israel’s Systematic Disinformation Campaigns and Türkiye’s Struggle for Truth (DMM Bulletins) 527 6.6. Reflections of Türkiye’s Support for Palestine in the Turkish Press 551 6.7. Countries Taking a Pro-Israel Stance and Press Reflections 565 CHAPTER 7 TÜRKİYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVES 7.1. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Leadership Role at the 2009 Davos Summit 603 7.2. Joint Declaration of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye 608 7.3. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Remarks on Israel’s Attacks on Palestine 610 7.4. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Diplomacy Traffic 651 7.5. Peace Diplomacy by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye 661 7.6. Türkiye’s Humanitarian Aid to Palestine 678 7.7. The Grand Palestine Rally and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Speech 707 7.8. Communication Projects for the Palestinian Cause 724 7.9 United for Peace in Palestine Summit 753 7.10. An Iconic Map of Israel’s Systematic Occupation of Palestinian Territories throughout History 764 PREFACE | 9 P R E F A C E T he occupied Palestinian territories, which have been the site of the gravest human rights violations and atrocities for de- cades, are once more besieged by indescribable suffering, blood, and tears. Amidst a state of silence from numerous na- tions and international organisations, millions of civilians in Gaza endu- re collective punishment and lack access to food, medicine, and humani- tarian assistance. Consciences remain unmoved despite all the atrocities inflicted, war crimes, and massacres committed; the world continues to watch the unfolding events. Since October 7th, Gaza has been the target of an unprecedented assault with the intention of obliterating its people, environment, and geograp- hy. Hospitals, schools, mosques, churches, historical sites, marketplaces, and refugee camps are being bombed. Innocent children, women, and the elderly are being mercilessly slaughtered. Even the most fundamen- tal human rights are disregarded in the besieged Gaza. Türkiye, a nation that has historically supported the oppressed, oppo- sed the oppressor, and welcomed the oppressed, continues to speak out against oppression on all platforms and continues to support the inno- cent and oppressed Palestinian people. It is both our humanitarian duty and a requirement of our faith to put an end to the massacres taking place in Gaza in full view of the entire world. On the one hand, we have maintained diplomatic contacts at every level since October 7. On the ot- her hand, we have been engaged in endeavours to provide humanitarian 10 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE assistance to Gaza. We have never left our brothers and sisters in Gaza unprotected and helpless, and we never will. At this juncture, the present state of affairs concerns the dignity of all nations, the global order and governance, and all institutions entrusted with authority and responsibility in this matter. As Türkiye, we have adopted a principled and humanitarian stance in the face of this situati- on. We have been saying at every opportunity that we do not approve of acts that target civilians. Our priority is the declaration of humanitarian ceasefire. For our nation, which has had the privilege of serving in Al-Quds for more than four centuries, this blessed city holds a very special place. We underline that lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved th- rough the establishment of an independent, geographically integrated Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Al Quds as its ca- pital. In this context, we also invite all actors who have a say in the region to sincerely contribute to peace. I am convinced that this book, which was compiled by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, will serve as a testament to Türkiye’s genuine endeavours both domestically and internationally in addres- sing the humanitarian tragedy that has persisted in Gaza from October 7, 2023 to April 20, 2024. PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN Our Palestinian Cause 01 Historical Background of the Israeli-Palestinian Issue 14 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 15 Chapter 1 Historical Background of the Israeli-Palestinian Issue T he Israeli issue, one of the world’s longest-running internatio- nal and regional issues, is the result of the Zionist movement, which arose in the nineteenth century with the goal of estab- lishing a Jewish state on Palestinian territory for the stateless Jewish people. From a historical perspective, the anti-Semitic and anti-Jewish discour- ses and attitudes Jews encountered in Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries influenced the formation of the Zionist movement, which is the source of the Israeli issue. Nevertheless, Zionism erroneo- usly channelled the animosity directed at Jews in the West towards the Palestinian people and Muslims. As is clear from the Zionist movement’s rhetoric of “a land without a pe- ople for a people without a land”, this movement denies the actual exis- tence of the Palestinian people and does not even recognise Palestinians as human beings. Jews consider Palestine to be their ancestral homeland, while Palestini- an Arabs have regarded this land as their home for centuries, and they understandably reacted to having their homes taken away from them. 16 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Palestine was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, which ruled the region peacefully for centuries. Despite European pressure on the Ottoman Empire to allow Jews to sett- le in Palestine beginning in 1888, the Ottoman Empire prohibited the sale of land in Palestine to Jews who were not Ottoman citizens in 1892. In 1896, Austrian Zionist leader Theodor Herzl published his book “The Jewish State” and expressed his desire to establish a Jewish state in Pa- lestine to Sultan Abdul Hamid II. This request was strongly rejected by Abdul Hamid. The 1897 First Zionist Congress and the 1917 Balfour Declaration an- nounced the claim for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. After the Ottoman Empire was defeated in World War I, Britain gained control of Palestine. As a result, the Israeli issue has risen to the top of the regional and international agendas. The Western Great Powers promised a Jewish state in Palestine in ac- cordance with their own political interests, ignoring regional realities. This accelerated Jewish migration to Palestine and sparked the Israeli conflict that has turned the Middle East into a raging fire today. Zionism, a political project aimed at establishing a “national state” for Jews in Palestine, developed from the end of the nineteenth century to the beginning of the twentieth century, fuelled by acts of violence aga- inst Jews in Europe and the Holocaust. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 17 In line with the Zionist project, which progressed by taking advantage of the Jewish community’s longing for “security,” the goal was to weaken the Palestinian population’s resistance and displace them, ultimately acquiring land in Palestine. 18 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Although Jewish immigration to Palestine began in the 1880s, the pro- portion of Jews in the Palestinian territories was only 10% by the end of World War I; however, the region’s demographics were quickly altered. The Jewish migration to Palestine has a religious aspect as well. Jews refer to waves of migration as “Aliyah.” The word “Aliyah” means, “as- cend or go up.” As a result, the migration of tens of thousands of Jews to Palestinian territories is classified as follows: • First Aliyah from 882 to 1903 • Second Aliyah from 1904 to 1914 • Third Aliyah from 1919 to 1923 • Fourth Aliyah from 1924 to 1928 • Fifth Aliyah from 1929 to 1939. Between 1948 and 1951, Jewish immigration to Palestine was intense. 1.1. Balfour Declaration and the British Mandate One of the major consequences of the First World War was the British occupation of Palestine and Al-Quds, where people of different religions, sects and ethnicities led a peaceful and prosperous life as brothers under the rule of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 19 The letter that British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour sent to Lord Ro- tschild in which he wrote: “a Jewish state was to be created on Palestini- an land” had a serious impact on the future of Palestine and the region. France, Italy and the US also supported the letter, which went down in history as the ‘Balfour Declaration’. Jewish immigration into Palestine gained tremendous momentum after the British occupation of the region. This rapid wave of migration and the arbitrary practices of the British Mandate administration soon led to bloody conflicts between the Arabs and the Jews. The conflicts in Pales- tine could only be contained in 1938 by the reinforcements sent by the United Kingdom. The twenty-year-long British occupation of Palestine led to the migration of hundreds of thousands of Jews into the region, disregarding and neglecting the rights of the Palestinians and also led to the creation of a problem that would endure for at least another century. Massacres by Jewish Terrorist Organizations All of these migrations were intended to prepare the ground for the es- tablishment of a Jewish state, Israel, on Palestinian land, and Jews have established numerous terrorist organisations to that end. By means of mass murders, sabotage, and attacks on railroad stations, airports, and civilian infrastructure, Jewish terrorist organisations inc- luding IRGUN, HAGANAH, and LEHI sought to expel the Palestinian pe- ople from their homelands, thereby facilitating the establishment of an Israeli state in Palestine. The HAGANAH, a Jewish terrorist organisation established in 1920, and the IRGUN, another Jewish terrorist organisation founded in 1931 under 20 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE the leadership of Menachem Begin, who later became the 6th Prime Mi- nister of Israel, triggered the conflicts between Jews and Palestinians. The events and strikes that started in 1936 lasted until 1939. IRGUN, a Jewish terrorist organisation, targeted a large number of inno- cent civilians in 1946 with a bomb attack on the King David Hotel, killing 91 people. The Deir Yasin Massacre is one of the most significant massacres car- ried out by Jewish terrorist organisations prior to the establishment of Israel, and it represents a watershed moment in the Israeli issue. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 21 On April 9, 1948, 254 Palestinian civilians were massacred in an attack on the village of Deir Yasin, west of Al-Quds, by STERN, led by Avraham Stern, supported by other Jewish terrorist organisations such as PAL- MAH and HAGANAH, and IRGUN, led by Menachem Begin. Many child- ren and 25 pregnant women were among those killed. During the attack, women were subjected to rape, and unfortunately, some pregnant wo- men had their bellies cut open. Additionally, individuals were tied to tre- es and set on fire. Years later, Menachem Begin, the 6th Prime Minister of Israel and one of the perpetrators of the attack, expressed, “Had we not taken this action, Israel would not exist.” 1.2. United Nations (UN) Period in Palestine In 1947, United Kingdom declared that it would withdraw from the area and turned over the Palestinian issue to the UN. After this declaration, the resolution 181 adopted by the UN General Assembly on November 29, 1947 recommended the creation of Arab and Jewish states in Pales- tine. This plan, however, was not implemented. The plan in question was not accepted by the Arabs. Jews, however, presented the UN Resolution 181 as the basis and unilaterally declared the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. 1.3. ‘Nakba’ and 1948 Arab-Israeli War After the declaration of the establishment of the State of Israel, Pales- tinians started observing May 15 as “Yawm an-Nakba” (Day of the Ca- tastrophe). The process that began with “Nakba”, which is the symbol of forced migration, plundering and massacres for Palestinians, thousands of Palestinians were killed while 1 mil - lion people were forced to flee their homeland, 675 villages were destroyed and cities were Judaized. The declaration of the State of Israel also contributed to a dramatic inc- rease in Jewish migration into the region. As a result of the conflicts that erupted between the regional Arab states and Israel and lasted until Oc- tober 1949, Jordan took control of the West Bank and Egypt took control of the Gaza Strip. While the control of the west of Al-Quds was left to Israel, Jordan took East Al-Quds, including the old city. 22 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 1.4. 1967 “Six Day War” 1967 “Six Day War” is an important development in Palestine’s history of occupation. After Egypt blocked the Strait of Tiran connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, Israel attacked Egypt, Syria and Jordan on 5 June 1967. During the war that lasted only 6 days, Israeli troops ad- vanced to Damascus, and consequently Israel seized the Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, the Golan Heights from Syria and the West Bank and East Al-Quds from Jordan, and occupied these territories. Fol- lowing the Six Day War, UN Security Council unanimously adopted reso- lution 242. The resolution objected to the acquisition of territory by war and asked Israel to withdraw from territories it occupied. As a result of this war, which doubled the size of Israel-controlled territory, 500 thou- sand more Palestinians had to take refuge in neighbouring countries as refugees. 1.5. 1973 Yom Kippur War Egypt and Syria started an offensive in 1973 on Yom Kippur (Day of Ato- nement), the holiest day for Jews, as Israel did not recognize the UN Se- curity Council resolution and withdraw from the territory it occupied. At the outset, Israel had to withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights. Then it received urgent ammunition support from the US and gained military advantage. At the end of 3 weeks, Israel managed to go to the west of Suez Canal, crossing the borders of 1967. A ceasefire HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 23 could be only reached at the beginning of 1974 with the mediation of the US, Soviet Union and the UN. 24 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 1.6. Negotiations and the Rise of Far Right in Israel In 1974, Yasser Arafat’s attendance to the UN General Assembly for the first time representing the Palestinian people and his address there had been a very important turning point. Arafat’s address advocating a pea- ceful settlement had made a significant contribution to the international recognition of the Palestinian issue. Furthermore, in the second half of the 1970s, Israeli politics saw the rise of extreme rightist Herut, which would later be called Likud. After Menachem Begin had won the elec- tions of 1977, Israel rapidly increased illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza. Israel intended to take root on these lands, from which it was supposed to withdraw as per the UN Security Council reso- lution. Minister of Agriculture Ariel Sharon, who would later be remem- bered with massacres in the upcoming years, took part at the beginning of this project. 1.7. 1978 Camp David Accords and 1979 Egypt- Israel Peace Treaty President of Egypt Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin signed the Camp David Accords on September 17, 1978 in the pre- sence of the US President Jimmy Carter. In this context, it was proposed that the meetings to be attended by Jordanian and Palestinian repre- sentatives should be held and Israel pledged to grant autonomy to the Palestinians in 13 the West Bank and Gaza in a process extending over 5 years. With the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty signed one year later, Israel agreed to withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula entirely, and Egypt agreed to recognize Israel in return. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 25 1.8. Israeli Occupation of Lebanon and Sabra-Shatila Massacre 26 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In 1982, just 2 months after the last troops withdrew from the Sinai Pe- ninsula, Israeli soldiers invaded the south of Lebanon. .At that time, on the orders of Ariel Sharon, the Minister of Defense, the Israeli Army ad- vanced to Beirut and forced the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to leave Lebanon. With the withdrawal of the PLO, Palestinian refugee camps remained vulnerable and became the target of Phalange militia which is Israel’s ally. Following the Israeli occupation of western Beirut on September 15, hundreds of Palestinians were massacred by Phalan- gists in Sabra and Shatila Camps between September 16 and 18. 1.9. First Intifada and Declaration of State of Palestine In 1987, 1st Intifada (uprising) started in the West Bank and Gaza Strip against the Israeli occupation. 20,000 people were wounded or died in the conflicts between the Palestinians and Israeli forces. The international community recalls the Intifada that lasted until 1993 with the images of Palestinian civilians merely carrying “slingshots” and defending themselves against the Israeli Army, that is fully equipped with heavy weapons. The second step of the process that started with Intifada was Jordan’s statement renouncing its sovereignty claims over the West Bank and East Al-Quds and respecting Palestinian people’s will to establish a se- parate and independent state from Jordan. Thus, during its meeting in Algeria on November 15, 1988, the Palestinian National Council decla- HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 27 red that an independent state of Palestine had been established. Türkiye was one of the first countries to recognize this State. However, Yasser Arafat, the PLO leader at the time, announced on December 14, 1988 that he recognized the State of Israel as the declaration of the State of Palesti- ne was not fully recognized in the international community. 28 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 29 30 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 1.10. 1991 Madrid Peace Conference and Oslo Accords The Madrid Peace Conference was another significant development in the historical process. The Madrid Peace Conference, held in the mont- hs after the end of the Gulf War, took its place in history for being the first conference where the delegations from Israel, Sy- ria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine gathered around the negotiating table. Fol- lowing the Madrid Peace Conference, secret meetin- gs took place between Isra- el and Palestine in Oslo in 1993, and two agreements between Israel and the PLO, known as the Oslo Ac- cords, were signed in 1993 and 1995. In this context, the Palestinian National Authority was established in the West Bank and Gaza as a 5 years interim body, but progress was not made in the process. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 31 1.11. Second Intifada and Arab Peace Initiative The Palestinian people have entered the 21st Century with the tiredness and frustration of not having achieved any results from years of nego- tiation and agreement efforts and being exposed to systematic attacks by Israeli extremists. In 2000, after the visit of the Israeli opposition Li- kud Party leader Ariel Sharon to the Harem-i Sharif in a very provocative way, II. The resistance movement, called Intifada or Aksa Intifada, has started. In March 2002, the Arab League Summit was held in Beirut. The initia- tive by Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, which proposed that all Arab States normalize relations with Israel on the condition that Israel withdraws to pre-1967 borders and a just solution is found on the issue of refugees based on UN General Assembly Resolution 194, was adopted under the name “Arab Peace Plan”. Under the plan, it was stipulated that Arab States would enter into a peace agreement and establish normal relations with Israel provided that Israel affirmed full Israeli withdrawal from all the territories it occupied since 1967, including the Golan Hei- ghts and the south of Lebanon, returned to its borders of June 4, 1967 and accepted the establishment of a Sovereign Independent Palestinian State with East Al-Quds as its capital on the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza strip occupied since June 4, 1967 Israel occupied nearly the entire West Bank during the same period. 2002 was a year of raids and prolonged curfews for the Palestinians. Am- 32 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE nesty International stated that Israel committed war crimes in the Jenin and Nablus attacks in 2002. 1.12. Middle East Quartet, Sharm El Sheikh Summit and Annapolis Conference As a result of the increasing tension and violence in the Middle East, the Middle East Quartet (the Quartet) was established in April 2002 with the initiative of Spain, where the United States, Russia, the EU and the UN gathered to assume a mediating position in the Middle East Peace Process. Although the Quartet introduced the Road Map in 2003, it was unable to achieve the expected role of advancing the peace process. Furthermore, negotiations were held between Palestine and Israel in Sharm El Sheik in 2005, and in Annapolis, USA in 2007. Nevertheless, Israel’s irreconcilable stance, pursued with the influence of far right ra- dical elements both in the government and the public opinion, has hin- dered positive steps in the peace process. 1.13. 2008-2009 Gaza Attack: Operation ‘Cast Lead’ Although momentum was gained concerning all three dimensions of the Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine, Israel-Syria, Israel-Le- banon) in 2008, the ongoing efforts were inconclusive due to Israel’s mi- litary operation ‘Cast Lead’ against Gaza Strip in December 2008 -Janu- ary 2009. The operation, which also included tanks crossing the Gaza border on January 3, ended on January 18. As a result of the 22 day oc- cupation and bombardment, at least 1,500 people including 355 children lost their lives, 7,000 people were wounded and 4,000 households were destroyed in the Gaza Strip. US President Obama, who took office in early 2009 after the Israeli-Pa- lestinian talks, which included a total of six permanent status issues (East Al-Quds, settlements, borders, refugees, security and water), were interrupted by the Gaza Crisis at the end of 2008, gave signals that he would pursue an active policy to advance the peace process. Neverthe- less, the persistent attitude of the government, which was formed in 2009 under the leadership of Netanyahu, towards maintaining its sett- lement activities in the West Bank, including East Al-Quds has been the main reason blocking progress in the Palestinian-Israeli dimension. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 33 1.14. 2014 Gaza Attack: Operation ‘Protective Edge’ On July 8, 2014, Israel launched a new air, land and sea attack on Gaza in the Muslims’ holy month of Ramadan. These at - tacks, criticized and requested an end for by many countries, claimed the lives of 1,898 people including 434 children, 246 women and 79 elderly people. 9,852 people including 2,877 children, 1,927 women, 374 elderly people were injured. Due to the attacks, Türkiye declared national mourning for 3 days while Pakistan declared for 1 day. In response to this development, the Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened in Istanbul on December 13, 2017 for the Sixth Extraordinary Session on East Al-Quds under the theme of ‘Unified Action for Solida- rity with East Al-Quds’ at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Er- doğan. “Final Communique and Istanbul Declaration” were adopted at the end of the Extraordinary Session. The declaration rejected and con- demned the unlawful statement of the US Administration regarding the status of East Al-Quds. In addition, Egypt, the representative of the Arab Group of the UN Security Council, submitted its draft resolution on East Al-Quds to the UN Security Council on December 16. The draft, which was voted on December 18, received the support of 14 other members and was vetoed by the US. 34 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The UN General Assembly’s 10th Emergency Special Session was conve- ned on December 21, 2017 following a request from Türkiye as the Chair of the Summit and Yemen on behalf of the Arab Group. The draft resolu- tion titled ‘Status of East Al-Quds’ presented by Türkiye and Yemen was adopted at the session. Nevertheless, the US Embassy was inaugurated on May 14, 2018. Guate- mala followed the US and moved its Embassy to East Al-Quds. Israel’s stance towards Palestine and the region can be seen very clearly when almost a century-long historical process is considered as a whole. This stance has led to great sufferings such as the deaths of thousands of Pa- lestinians and displacement of millions of people. This stance undermi- ned the safety of the region and the Middle East. Israel has maintained its invading attitude even at the negotiating table with the parties in the historical process and continued its attacks against Palestine and the re- gion. 1.15. United Nations General Assembly and Security Council Reso- lutions and the Palestinian Issue The Palestinian issue is one of the main agenda items of various inter- national organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the Orga- nization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The mentioned international or- ganizations have hundreds of decisions regarding the Palestinian issue. Nevertheless, the UN is the main international organization that stands out with the resolutions it has adopted on the Palestinian issue. There are many resolutions adopted merely by the UN on the Palestini- an issue. While the resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly are advisory, the resolutions adopted by the Security Council are binding. However, it is seen that some of the draft resolutions brought before the Security Council have not been adopted as they were vetoed or that the implementation of some adopted resolutions has not been followed. As a result, it can be said that the resolutions of the UN General Assembly, in which there is no veto right and all member states can vote, also repre- sent the international conscience regarding the Palestinian issue. In general, the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly resoluti- ons on the Palestinian issue tend to focus on three areas that constitute the basic parameters of the Palestinian issue: territories occupied by Is- rael, Palestinian refugees’ right of return, and East Al-Quds’ status. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 35 Very important resolutions on the Palestinian issue have been adopted within the UN framework. The first of such resolutions was the Reso- lution 181 of the UN General Assembly adopted on November 29, 1947. This resolution, also known as the “Partition Plan”, proposes the crea- tion of an Arab and a Jewish State, where East Al-Quds has a special status (Corpus Seperatum). Following this resolution, the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly have predominantly taken hundreds of decisions regarding the problems raised by Israeli occupation of Palestine. It was seen that the permanent members of the UN Security Council (especially the USA) vetoed some resolutions regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestine and its repercussions. In this regard, Resolution 242 of the UN Security Council adopted on November 22, 1967, in the wake of the 1967 war, when Israel occu- pied 80 per cent of Palestinian territory, is the fundamental reference in almost all peace initiatives on the Palestinian issue. This resolution provides for the withdrawal of Israel from the occupied territories (West Bank, East Al-Quds, Gaza, Golan Heights and Sinai Pe- ninsula), for the achievement of a just settlement of the refugee problem, and for every State in the area to live in peace within secure borders. Following the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, UN Security Council Resolution 338 adopted on October 22, 1973 once again called for the implemen- tation of Resolution 242. Resolution 1397 of the UN Security Council, adopted on March 12, 2002, is significant in that it emphasizes the two-state solution on the Palestinian issue, while referring to Resolutions 242 and 338. Although the UN Security Council and the General Assembly have adop- ted dozens of resolutions regarding the status of East Al-Quds and the Israeli occupation of East Al-Quds, the most prominent resolution is the UN Security Council Resolution 476 adopted on June 30, 1980, which states that the so-called “declaration of East Al-Quds” as the ca- pital and its annexation have no legal validity, emphasizing the status of Israel in East Al-Quds as the occupying power. 36 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 1.16. The Purpose and Content of the So-Called Peace Plan Prepa- red During the Tenure of US President Donald Trump The so-called “peace plan” named “Peace to Prosperity: A Vision to Im- prove the Lives of the Palestinian and Israeli People” announced by the US President Donald Trump to the international public on January 28, 2020 is a step towards bringing Palestine-Israel issue to a new stage at regional and global scale. This plan aims to deprive the Palestinian sta- te and its people of their lands, further deepening the Palestine-Israel issue rather than settling it. In this context, the mentioned plan means making Israel’s occupation permanent and supporting its theo-political maximalist theses and strategy. Prepared unilaterally, partially and devoid of any reality, the so-called “peace plan” deals with Palestine-Israel conflict, which has been ongo- ing since the UN Partition Plan of 1947, solely from Israel’s perspective. The plan insists that the situation created by Israel through occupati- on must be accepted and that even the binding resolutions on the issue must be neglected. Regarding Palestinians as the main barrier to peace, this plan ignores and legitimizes Israel’s systematic occupation. This plan is based on Israel’s security in all matters without exception and fails to take into account its applicability. In this framework, the USA and Israel have excluded Palestine from the processes as well as thinking and deciding on its behalf. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 37 The plan seems to have adopted the “Economic Peace” previously pro- posed by Netanyahu in various versions. It implies that the problems of Palestinians are mainly based on economy and that they can renounce a major part of their political demands in return for improving their eco- nomic situation. The content of the so-called “peace plan” can be analy- zed under several titles: 1.16.1. Land Arrangements Land arrangements proposed by the plan are a projection of Israel’s maximalist policies. Although the so-called peace plan proposes the es- tablishment of the state of Palestine, it aims to deprive Palestine of its lands in the long-term through expanding the territory of the state of Israel This plan makes the state of Palestine, which will be established in 4 years, and its borders unmanageable and fragmented. With this strategy, the lands given to Palestine are connected to each other through brid- ges and tunnels. The new state’s external “border” check and crossings between interconnections will be directly under the control of Israel. Despite the UN resolutions on East Al-Quds and Oslo Accords, the so-cal- led peace plan envisages the indivisibility of East Al-Quds and puts the city under Israeli rule in one piece. The US justifies this with the East Al-Quds Embassy Act of 1995, in other words, it proposes its own acts as the basis for Israeli rule over East Al-Quds. The plan proposes a Palestinian capital anywhere to the east of the arc of Kafr Aqab, East Shuafat and Abu Dis (the most probable location). Cur- rently, this area is divided from the center of East Al-Quds (Old City-In- side the walls) by means of security barriers and check points. The said area is historically located in the remote suburbs of East Al-Qu- ds. The so-called peace plan disconnects the patches of land allocated to Palestine from both Jordan and the Mediterranean. Israel annexes the Jordan Valley extending between the West Bank and Jordan, and the territorial waters in the Mediterranean fall completely under Israeli control. In other words, the scope of the blockade imposed for years on Gaza is extended to include the whole territory inhabited by Palestini- ans by different methods. 38 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The security arrangements supporting the land arrangements of the plan are aimed at creating a security architecture that prioritizes the ab- solute safety of the Israeli state. The safety of the state and people of Palestine are left entirely to the initiative and mercy of Israel. According to the plan, a security agreement between the Israeli state and the Palestinian Authority Security Forces (the “PASF”), when it comes to Israel’s security, the U.S. will fulfill all the requirements to ensure Israel’s security without resorting to any other state or international organizati- on. The U.S. will thus be able to intervene anytime in favor of Israel and by suspending international law. The plan does not make any reference to Palestine’s security concerns. There is no expression about how and by whom the disarmed Palestine left to Israel’s initiative even in terms of state formation, will be protec- ted from Israel. In the process of state-formation, as the new Palestinian state focuses on domestic law enforcement, Israel emerges as the abso- lute sovereign actor in security. The plan lays down conditions that leave the security arrangements for the establishment of a Palestinian state entirely to the initiative of the Israeli state. These conditions include full approval of Israel’s new bor- ders by the Palestinian leadership, complete disarmament of Palestine, withdrawal of Hamas from Gaza and acceptance of all security audits of Israel. 1.16.2. Issue of Palestinian Refugees Year 1967 is not the beginning of history for Palestine. From the British Mandate to the UN Partition Plan, from the 48 war to 67, the rights of Pa- lestinians have been usurped consistently and systematically. The right to return of Palestinians, who have been forced out of their houses du- ring the foundation of Israel and the subsequent occupations, is a right that the Palestinians have upheld for a long time as a prerequisite for peace negotiations. Nevertheless, the Plan makes no reference whatsoever to the rights of millions of Palestinians displaced by Israel, and on the contrary states that the adoption of the agreement means they must relinquish their ri- ghts, and that none of the refugees would be allowed to return to their HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 39 homes under Israeli occupation and even those who wish to return to Palestine would have to seek Israel’s approval. This is a violation of the United Nations General Assembly resolution 194 adopted on December 11, 1948. 1.16.3. Palestinian State The plan did not create a roadmap based on objective criteria for the Palestinian State, but gave Palestinians some homework and responsi- bilities, most of which are impossible to be fulfilled. Israel has been de- signated to determine how successful Palestinians were. Even if the plan touches on an independent Palestinian state, it is un- derstood that this is a so-called independence on paper. As a matter of fact, some conditions are stipulated on the establishment of the Pales- tinian state. These conditions basically consist of recognizing Israel as a Jewish state, rejecting terrorism in all its forms and allowing Israel to make special security arrangements that address Israel’s security. It requires Palestine to build effective institutions under its control. Only when these conditions are met, the US will be able to support the es- tablishment of a Palestinian state. As a result, it is not possible to talk about independence. As a matter of fact, according to the Plan, Israel’s approval is required even for the Palestinian state to become a member of international organizations. 1.16.4. Religious Arrangements Completely changing of the status of East Al-Quds and leaving the cont- rol of the old city absolutely to Israel has been one of the biggest achie- vements of the plan for Israel. 40 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In addition, the holy places, including the large parts of the city inha- bited by more than 300,000 Palestinians, the Old City and the Masjid al-Aqsa compound, are transferred to the absolute sovereignty of Israel. While the plan demands the maintenance of the religious status quo, it states that only worshipers “coming peacefully” will be welcome with regard to Muslims who want to visit Masjid al-Aqsa and pray. This lar- gely restricts the region to worship in a way that it will be subject to the absolute permission of Israel for Muslims. Considering the plan as a whole, it is understood that the plan is based on economic reductionism, as it assumes that Palestinians will give up HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 41 their claims with a conditional aid of $28 billion. It especially ignores the resolutions and solution proposals of the UN, UNSC and other internati- onal organizations. This unilateral occupation plan is doomed to failure and the plan has no applicability. 1.17. Israel’s Hasbara The term hasbara is unique to Israel, and its primary purpose is to influ- ence public opinion on a specific political issue concerning Israel. Has- bara is not a proactive organisation; instead, it seeks to explain political security actions in order to gain support and legitimacy, and its activities can be carried out by state institutions, the military, and state-affiliated civil society organisations. Hasbara, which is also called public diplomacy, is the term used to desc- ribe the activities of public relations that aim to promote favourable information about the State of Israel and its actions abroad. It is also defined as communication efforts that aim to support Israel’s policies and arguments. Some of the common strategies used by Israel in inter- national affairs are as follows: • Israel portrays itself as a rational and innocent actor provoked by an irrational terrorist threat, claiming that any criticism of Israel’s acti- ons amounts to a de facto defence of terrorism. • Israel tries to associate criticism of its policies, such as human righ- ts violations or illegal settlements in the Palestinian territories, with anti-Semitism. • Israeli authorities attempt to accuse individuals who support boy- cotts and sanctions against Israel of anti-Semitism and associate them with terrorism. • Leading social media platforms have been urged to adopt the defini- tion of antisemitism and broaden antisemitism in response to criti- cism. • Israel constantly repeats the narrative that it is the “only democracy in the Middle East”, in a “reactionary, hostile region”. • In its perception management operation against Palestine, it furt- 42 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE her dehumanises Palestinians in Western public opinion, portraying them as “underdeveloped”. 1.18. Instrument and Representation of Violence for Israel: WALL Israel has planned to construct a 720-kilometer-long wall, with approxi- mately 500 kilometres already completed. This wall has resulted in a reduction of Palestinian territory by 9.4% and has created challenging li- ving conditions for approximately three million Palestinians. As a result, the wall that Israel constructed is an instrument and a representation of violence. More than 1,200 Palestinian civilians were killed and over 130,000 were injured during the wall’s construction. 2,500 houses were demolished during the same time period, and over 20,000 Palestinians were impri- soned. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 43 1.19. Blockaded Gaza Strip No country recognises the Gaza Strip, a narrow 40-kilometer-long strip of coastline on the Mediterranean Sea, as an independent state or terri- tory of a state. The Gaza Strip, which forms part of the Palestinian territories along with the West Bank and East Al-Quds and is home to 2.3 million people, is one of the most densely populated places in the world today. Gaza shares a land border of 51 kilometres with Israel and 11 kilometres with Egypt, with Israel to the north and east, Egypt to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Gaza has been under Israeli siege by air, 44 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE land and sea since 2007. As a result, Israel has been blockading Gaza for nearly 16 years. The region, which is home to approximately 2 million Palestinians, is plagued by severe human rights violations and limited access to even basic necessities. Israel continues to use psychological weapons to kill Palestinians. Mounting economic hardships are exacerbating the crises that the people of Gaza are facing. According to the UN, approximately 80% of the population in Gaza relies on international assistance, and about one million individuals require daily food aid. However, certain goods, such as food and medical supp- lies, can only enter Gaza through the UN and humanitarian organisati- ons. Since 2007, Israel and Egypt have been in control of these entry and exit points. The Rafah crossing is the sole entry point that is not under Israeli cont- rol. Israel implemented a blockade on the territory following Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip in 2007. According to UN officials, there is a need for substantial changes in the approach to what is now considered a “global crisis”. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUE | 45 02 Israel’s Genocide Attempt Against Palestinians That Started On October 7, 2023 48 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 49 2.1. Critical Developments Between October 7 th 2023 and April 20 th 2024 October 7, 2023 I zz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades launched a comprehensive opera- tion called “Aqsa Flood” operation. The main justification for the operation is Israel’s attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque and also the sacred values of the Palestinians and Israel’s human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories. Chapter 2 Israel’s Genocide Attempt Against Palestinians That Started On October 7, 2023 50 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The Israeli army announced that an armed group from Gaza had infil- trated Israeli territory and declared a state of war and then launched an intense air attack on the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Minister of Defense de- clared the area with a radius of 80 kilometers around the Gaza Strip as a military zone. The Palestinian groups who left the Gaza Strip entered Israeli settle- ments around the border. Israeli state television announced that the group, which infiltrated Israeli regions from Gaza, captured a police sta- tion in the city of Sderot. October 8, 2023 Conflicts between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon begin. US President Joe Biden announced that military aid was on the way in support of Israel. October 9, 2023 Israel announced that the Gaza Strip will be under full siege and elec- tricity, food and fuel will not be given into the region. In the following days, Israel blocked the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza and cut off the electricity, food, and fuel. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 51 October 10, 2023 The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they would “change the Middle East” with attacks on Gaza. Similarly, while the Is- raeli Minister of Defense stated that Israeli forces “lifted all restrictions and launched a full attack”, Israel has intensified its air strikes on Gaza. US President Joe Biden said, “The USA stands behind Israel. We’ll en- sure that the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself to- day and tomorrow, as in the past.” 52 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE October 11, 2023 Hamas released a captured Jewish settler woman and her child. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reported that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier group, that was sent to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, has reached the region. October 13, 2023 Israel asked approximately 1.1 million people living in the north of the Gaza Strip to move to the south of the region, and then the civilian con- voy moving south was bombed by Israeli forces. At least 70 people lost their lives in the attacks. The Gaza Ministry of Health announced that Durra Children’s Hospital was hit with a phosphorus bomb. The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) announced that Isra- el used white phosphorus in its military attacks against Gaza and Leb- anon. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 53 Amnesty International also shared evidence that the Israeli military units that attacked Gaza used phosphorus bombs. 54 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE October 15, 2023 While the Tel Aviv administration wanted the evacuation of 22 hospitals in the north of Gaza where tens of thousands of patients were receiving treatment, it also bombed the Al-Ahali Hospital. October 16, 2023 The bill submitted by Russia at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) demanding a “humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza was rejected due to the opposition of the USA, England, France, and Japan. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 55 56 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE October 17, 2023 471 people lost their lives in Israel’s attack on El-Ehli Baptist Hospital in Gaza. The incident, which resulted in the highest loss of life in the con- flicts that broke out on October 7, received great reaction from the world public opinion. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 57 October 18, 2023 Though 12 out of 15 members accepted the draft resolution at the UN, which included a call for “a pause in all conflict” to ensure humanitarian aid access to Gaza, it was not passed only due to the veto of the perma- nent member, the USA. 58 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE October 20, 2023 Israel targeted the historical St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza where civilians took shelter, and at least 8 people, including chil- dren and women, died and dozens were injured in the attack. The Rafah Border Gate of the Gaza Strip was opened temporarily, allow- ing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza for the first time after the attacks. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 59 October 23, 2023 The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that 5,087 people, includ- ing 2,055 children and 1,119 women, died and 15,273 people were injured in Israel’s attacks on Gaza. Under the mediation of Egypt and Qatar, the Qassam Brigades re- leased two more Israeli civilian prisoners on “humanitarian and health grounds”. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated that “Hamas’ attacks did not happen on a vacuum Jabalia Refugee Camp” and added, “The Pal- estinian people have been subjected to a suffocating occupation for 56 years now. They’re witnessing the step-by-step seizure of their lands by settlements and violence.” The Israeli Foreign Minister reacted to the statements of UN Secre- tary-General Antonio Guterres and canceled his meeting with Guterres. 60 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE October 26, 2023 The draft resolution submitted by the USA to the UNSC, which did not call for a ceasefire in Gaza, was rejected by the veto of Russia and China. While the draft resolution that included Russia’s call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza was also vetoed by the USA and the UK. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 61 October 27, 2023 The Israel Defense Forces launched a ground operation in Gaza after in- tense air strikes. October 28, 2023 President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan organized a rally in support of Pales- tine and said at the rally, “Israel has been openly committing war crimes for exactly 22 days. Now we’ll declare Israel to the world as a war crimi- nal. We’re in preparation for this, we’re working on it, and we will intro- duce Israel to the world as a war criminal.” Hamas Gaza Chief Yahya Sinvar announced that they were ready for an agreement that would include Israel releasing all Palestinian prisoners in prisons in exchange for the release of their captives. Demonstrations in support of Palestine are ongoing in Europe. Tens of thousands of people gathered in London, the capital of England, to demonstrate solidarity with Palestine and marched for the third time under intense police security measures. 62 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE October 29, 2023 In the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the statements of Israeli officials on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, it was said that “We absolutely reject their slander and unfounded allegations.” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu blamed the Israeli army and domestic intelligence agency Shin-Bet for “security and intelligence weaknesses” regarding Hamas’ October 7 attacks. Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and the President of the Vatican, stated that an area should be opened for humanitarian aid in Gaza and the hostages should be released, and called for a ceasefire. Demonstrations in support of Palestine were held in Spain, Poland, Ja- pan, Morocco, Lebanon, and Pakistan. Former US President Donald Trump, who is running for the 2024 presi- dential elections again in the USA, said that if he is elected president, he will cancel the visas of students who support Hamas. Israeli forces attempted a land attack from the Beit Lahiya town in the northwest of the Gaza Strip. Hamas proposed that Israel release all Palestinian prisoners held in pris- ons in exchange for them releasing all captives. However, Israel rejected this proposal. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 63 Israel’s Minister of Heritage threatened that a nuclear bomb might be dropped on the Gaza Strip. The horrifying statements of the Israeli Min- ister caused outrage among Islamic countries. October 30, 2023 The US news channel CNN announced that the amphibious ship sent by the USA to the Middle East and located in the Red Sea is heading to- wards the Eastern Mediterranean. The number of people killed in the Gaza Strip, which has been under Israel’s intense bombardment for 24 days, increased by 301 and reached 8306. 64 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israeli military vehicles that entered the vicinity of Gaza city center have withdrawn. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the ceasefire in Gaza, saying, “Now is the time for war.” The Evangelical speaker of the US House of Representatives explained why he supports Israel “all the way”. The US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson said, “I know that God will bless the nations that bless Israel.” Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that civilians were killed with- out discrimination in Palestine and said, “There is no justification for the terrible events happening in the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of thou- sands of innocent people were killed without discrimination.” British Interior Minister Braverman described the demonstrations in support of Palestine held in the capital London after the beginning of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as “hate marches”. The Israeli army carried out an attack on the Turkish-Palestinian Friend- ship Hospital operating within the Faculty of Medicine of Gaza Islamic University. The UNRWA President Lazzarini stated that approximately 70 percent of those killed in Gaza were children and women. The Media Office of the government in Gaza reported that more than 18 thousand tons of explosives have been dropped on the Gaza Strip since the Israeli attacks began on October 7. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 65 October 31, 2023 Israel hit the Jabalia Refugee Camp in Gaza: At least 100 people have lost their lives. Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades announced that they informed intermediaries that they would release some of their foreign national captives because they didn’t want to keep them in Gaza. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was protested due to Israel’s at- tacks on Gaza, at the meeting held in the Senate to demand a 106-bil- lion-dollar aid package, including aid to Israel and Ukraine. The scenario of deporting Gazans to the Sinai Desert has come to the agenda again in Israel. It has been revealed that a ministry affiliated with the Israeli government is preparing a war proposal that envisages the transfer of 2.3 million people in the Gaza Strip to the Sinai Peninsula, a large part of which is a desert in Egypt. Amnesty International reported that the attack on the town of Dahayra should be investigated as a war crime because it was against the law. Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf said that the decline in the Arab world’s attitude towards Israel caused the events in the Gaza Strip. The United Nations (UN) stated that Israel ordered the evacuation of 13 hospitals in the north of Gaza and warned that the transportation of pa- tients on life support and babies in incubators could result in death. 66 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE November 1, 2023 King Abdullah II of Jordan emphasized that it’s imperative to establish an “immediate” humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Medbuli said that the Egyptian people are ready to make sacrifices in the world for the grain of sand in the Sinai Peninsula. Salame Maruf, Head of the Media Office of the government in Gaza, ac- cused the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) of abdicating its responsibilities towards the north of Gaza. It was reported that dozens of people were killed and injured in the sec- ond bombardment carried out by the Israeli army on the Jibaliya Refu- gee Camp in the north of the blockaded Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours. The Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel has cut off communications, are looking for ways to make their voices heard to the world. On the 26th day of the heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip, imposing a complete blockade, Israel completely cut off telephone and internet communica- tions in the region again. Conflicts in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli army has increased its air and land attacks, are concentrated in the north and east of the region, close to the Israeli border. The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that the Türkiye-Pales- tine Friendship Hospital, the only center where cancer patients are treat- ed in the blockaded Gaza Strip, has stopped its activities due to Israeli attacks. It has been reported that communication and internet access has gradu- ally begun to be restored in the Gaza Strip, which is under Israeli block- ade and bombardment, after a 12-hour break. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov once again confirmed Russia’s stance on ensuring a ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian crisis as soon as possible. Galit Distel Atbaryan, the Member of Parliament from the ruling Likud party in Israel, said that “Gaza should be completely erased from the face of the earth.” Mathilde Panot, one of Fansa’s opposition figures and Deputy Parliamen- tary Group Chair of the Unyielding France Party (LFI), stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be held accountable at the Inter- national Criminal Court (ICC) for the war crimes he has committed. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 67 It has been reported that Jordan “immediately” recalled its Ambassa- dor to Tel Aviv due to Israel’s violent attacks on the Gaza Strip, and that it would not allow the Israeli Ambassador to Amman, who went to his country after the protests, to return. The bombardment carried out by the Israeli army on the Jabalia Refugee Camp in the north of the Gaza Strip, in which at least 100 people were killed, and hundreds were injured, left behind great destruction. British broadcaster the BBC confirmed that Israel hit the places in the southern region of Gaza where civilians wanted to migrate. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East stated that Israel’s continuous bombardment of Gaza was shocking and announced that “an urgent humanitarian ceasefire is a matter of life and death for millions of people.” Amnesty International reported that Palestinians, who were already un- der siege in the occupied Gaza Strip, are now in a complete communica- tion blackout. November 2, 2023 Israel announced that it would bomb the Shati Refugee Camp in Gaza. The Israeli army stated that they would launch intense attacks and called on the residents of the Al-Shati Refugee Camp in the west of Gaza city to “urgently evacuate the area”. Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun stated that the international community, press and media organizations should give a strong reaction to the press members who were killed during their duty in Gaza. 68 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out that civilian casualties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are increasing day by day and called the international community to “conscience and responsibility”. Answering the AA correspondent’s question about “Israel’s preparation of a war proposal that envisages transferring the residents of the Gaza Strip to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula”, Zaharova said that transferring Gazans to the Sinai Peninsula would lead to disaster and worsen the situation in the region. The Israeli Chief of General Staff reported that Israeli soldiers carried out operations in Gaza city and surrounded the city. The Media Office of the government in Gaza reported that Israel “delib- erately” concentrated its attacks on Palestinian refugee camps, causing dozens of casualties and hundreds of injuries. United Nations (UN) rapporteurs called for a ceasefire to prevent geno- cide and humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that they were concerned about Israel’s air strikes on the Jabalia Refugee Camp in Gaza and emphasized that “the attacks could be disproportionate attacks that could constitute a war crime.” ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 69 102 more trucks carrying humanitarian aid arrived in Gaza, which is un- der Israeli attacks. The number of aid trucks sent to the Gaza Strip from the Rafah Border Gate has reached 390 so far. Jewish settlers carried out 390 attacks in the occupied West Bank in Oc- tober. November 3, 2023 The Pentagon announced that they do not support a ceasefire in the Is- raeli-Palestinian conflict. The US Department of Defense (the Pentagon) stated that they do not support a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas due to concerns that it would lead to the “reemergence” of Hamas. The United States didn’t answer the question of whether the Jabalia ref- ugee camp was a “legal target” for Israel. White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby declined to answer a question about whether the Jabalia refugee camp was a “fair and lawful target” for Israel. The Israeli army hit the entrance of the Shifa Hospital campus in Gaza. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that 13 Pales- tinians were killed, and 26 Palestinians were injured because of Israel’s bombing of the entrance of Shifa Hospital and ambulances. 70 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE It has been revealed that the attacks in Gaza have not been discussed in the UN Human Rights Council so far. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Israeli sol- diers who participated in the attacks on the Gaza Strip, again quoting the Torah. Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli administration are conducting speeches containing references to Jewish and Christian the- ology to avoid domestic criticism, gain international support and legiti- mize civilian deaths. The Israeli police imposed strict restrictions on Palestinians entering Al-Aqsa for the fourth consecutive Friday prayer. While Israel only al- lowed the elderly to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque to pray, hundreds of Pales- tinians performed Friday prayers in the streets around Haram Al-Sharif. November 4, 2023 Selame Maruf, Head of the Media Office of the government in Gaza, stat- ed to the AA correspondent that 55 mosques were completely destroyed in Israel’s attacks and 112 mosques were damaged in various ways. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that 47 more aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip, which is under Israeli blockade and attack, through the Rafah Border Gate. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 71 30 more trucks carrying humanitarian aid arrived in Gaza, which is un- der Israeli attacks. Tens of thousands of people in England called for a “ceasefire in Gaza” in the capital’s historic Trafalgar Square. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tel Aviv, Şakir Özkan Torunlar, was summoned to Ankara for consulta- tions after Israel didn’t accept ceasefire calls and continued its attacks against civilians. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed that a ceasefire in be- sieged Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis has reached its peak, would lead to the “regrouping” of Hamas. The World Health Organization (WHO) condemned the attacks carried out in Gaza on November 3 near Jerusalem, Indonesia and Sifa hospitals. The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that he was “horrified” by Israel’s attack on the Sifa Hospital in Gaza. November 5, 2023 Israel launched more than 100 air strikes in different parts of Gaza city, including the surroundings of Shifa Hospital, in less than an hour. The attacks took place simultaneously with the complete collapse of all com- munication and internet services in Gaza. It has been stated that Israel heavily bombarded the surroundings of all hospitals in the blockaded Gaza Strip. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a “surprise” visit to the West Bank as part of his Middle East tour and met with Palestinian Pres- ident Mahmoud Abbas. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper claimed that the USA and Is- rael have disagreements on long-term plans for Gaza. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that world opinion is no longer on their side. 72 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 73 November 6, 2023 UN Secretary General Guterres stated that “Gaza has turned into a cem- etery for children” and announced that the UN and its partners have launched a humanitarian aid call of 1.2 billion dollars for 2.7 million peo- ple in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Regarding Israel’s increasing attacks in Gaza, Ukrainian President Volo- dymyr Zelenskiy said, “If we’re talking about laws and rules, there are no rules where there are terrorists.” The Kazakh government reported that they provided humanitarian aid worth 1 million dollars to the Palestinian people. The fact that the number of civilians killed by Israel in the intense at- tacks on Gaza since October 7 exceeds the number of civilians killed in the Russia-Ukraine War, which has been going on for 620 days, reveals the severity of all the attacks. Jordanian Prime Minister Bishr al-Hasavne stated that the attempt to deport Palestinians has “red lines” and added: “Jordan will consider this as a declaration of war.” The Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yasin stated that 462 hect- ares of agricultural and forestland in the south of the country was burned by Israel’s phosphorus bomb. 74 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE November 7, 2023 Emine Erdoğan, Wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stated that, like their ancestors, they have no other goal than to end the bloodshed, and that they consider all the oppressed people of the world entrusted to them, and that they are mobilized to establish permanent peace. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 75 Presidency’s Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun stated that they are fighting against disinformation campaigns of Israeli and Western media companies and politicians. Saudi Arabia is preparing to host two extraordinary summits where the developments in the Gaza Strip, which is under Israeli attacks, will be discussed. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron the developments in the Gaza Strip, where Israel continues its intense attacks. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that fire was opened on a convoy carrying humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, which is under Israeli blockade and bombardment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they will not have a ceasefire until the prisoners held by Hamas in Gaza are released. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro reacted to Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza and said, “Humanity must now stand up and say ‘stop’ to Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people.” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant claimed that Israeli soldiers were advancing towards the center of Gaza City, located in the north of the blockaded Gaza Strip. 76 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Lenarcic, the member of the EU Commission responsible for crisis man- agement and humanitarian aid, stated that the conflicts should be sus- pended to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and added, “If this doesn’t happen, the disaster we’re currently seeing in Gaza may turn into an apocalypse.” Israel’s Southern Area Commander, Major General Yaron Finkelman, said that the Israeli army “went into a complex, difficult and burden- some war” against Hamas in the blockaded Gaza Strip. It was reported that many civilians were killed and injured because of the Israeli army’s bombardment of a neighborhood in Deir el-Beleh city of the Gaza Strip. The Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abu Ghait stated that the threat of the Israeli far-right Minister of Heritage Amihai Eliyahu to use a nuclear bomb against the blockaded Gaza Strip should not be taken lightly. The decision of the Turkish Grand National Assembly to boycott the products of brands that support Israel has begun to be implemented. Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko said at the G7 Foreign Min- isters meeting that improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip would be the “top priority”. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov stated that there should be a hu- manitarian pause in the conflicts in the Gaza Strip and said, “The situa- tion is extremely tense and catastrophic from a humanitarian perspec- tive.” Although there was no full-fledged war between Hezbollah and the Is- raeli army in Lebanon, the controlled conflict has continued for over a month. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper claimed that the USA planned to send 320 million dollars’ worth of precision guided munitions to Isra- el. As the war against the Gaza Strip entered its second month, Israeli war- planes and artillery targeted the homes of civilians in various parts of the city, causing the death of dozens of Palestinian civilians, including children and women. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 77 It was stated that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant approved addi- tional operational plans for the ground operation in Gaza. Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) met in a closed session to discuss the developments in Gaza. November 8, 2023 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that they will not make a ceasefire until the prisoners held by Hamas in Gaza are released. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the risk of spreading diseases increases in Gaza, where health facilities, water and sanitation systems are disrupted. 78 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said, “Israel’s collective punishment of Palestinian civilians amounts to a war crime, just like their unlawful forced evacuation.” The European Union (EU) Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that they are working on a sea aid corridor to Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent announced that the surgical department was closed in the hospital where more than 14 thousand displaced Pal- estinians took shelter, and the procedures in the MRI and medical x-ray departments were stopped. It has been reported that Israel wants to purchase 200 “Switchblade 600” type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as “kamikaze drones”, from the USA. UN Special Rapporteur Rajagopal said, “Conducting a military operation knowing that it will systematically destroy civilian housing and infra- structure and make Gaza uninhabitable is a war crime.” G7 called for a “humanitarian pause in hostilities” to deliver humanitari- an aid to the Gaza Strip, which is under intense Israeli attacks. Austrian activists stated that the media adopted a provocative approach in reporting on solidarity demonstrations with Palestine and that this deepened the polarization in the country and increased anti-Muslim sentiment. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 79 November 9, 2023 NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called for respect for interna- tional law in Gaza and said, “NATO allies support a pause in hostilities to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.” 80 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Western powers, especially the USA, trying to confront the reactions of the world public opinion to stop Israel, have embraced the discourse of “humanitarian pause in hostilities”, which doesn’t guarantee an end to the massacres, in response to calls for a “ceasefire”. The Israeli army, which previously divided the Gaza Strip into two, con- tinues to advance from two directions in order to fully dominate the coastline in the north. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that the Israeli occupation forces’ plans to divide the Gaza Strip are unacceptable and that Gaza is an integral part of Palestine. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki asked International Atom- ic Energy Agency (IAEA) President Rafael Mariano Grossi to take mea- sures to neutralize Israel’s threats to use nuclear weapons against Gaza. November 11, 2023 The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League convened an extraordinary meeting for Gaza and demanded an immedi- ate ceasefire and investigation in a joint declaration. At the 8th Extraor- dinary Islamic Summit in Riyadh, the member states’ heads of state and government agreed on a common declaration that included 31 items. The declaration condemned Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip, as well as the colonial occupation government’s war crimes and massacres of Pal- estinians throughout the occupied West Bank, including Al-Quds. The statement rejected any pretextual characterization of Israel’s attack on Gaza as “retaliation” or “self-defense” and demanded that such attacks be ceased immediately. Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko told reporters in Tokyo fol- lowing the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, which she chaired, that the implementation of the two-state solution and support for Palestinian economic independence were of utmost importance. November 15, 2023 The “United for Peace in Palestine Summit”, hosted by President Er- doğan’s wife Emine Erdoğan, brought together spouses of heads of state and government, as well as special representatives from many countries, in the Dolmabahçe Working Office. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 81 November 17, 2023 Speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Scholz, President Erdoğan stated that the priority in Gaza is to ensure a cease- fire and the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid. November 18, 2023 As regards Israel’s intensified attacks on Gaza, the Japanese government declared that all kinds of measures must be taken to prevent civilian ca- sualties in military operations. November 20, 2023 The joint statement of the MIKTA Meeting calling for a “ceasefire in Gaza” was impeded by Australia. The joint statement issued after the 9th MIKTA Heads of Parliament Meeting could not be published due to Australia’s objection to the “condemnation of indiscriminate attacks on civilians” and the call for a ceasefire against Israel’s attacks on Gaza. Fol- lowing Australia’s opposition, the Statement was rewritten so that the points of agreement were in one paragraph and the dissenting opinions in the second paragraph. Numan Kurtulmuş, the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, said during this meeting held on November 20, coinciding with the International Day for the Rights of the Child: “On the International Day for the Rights of the Child, it is known that more than 5,000 children are currently being killed in Gaza and nothing is be- ing done by the international community to stop this.” Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) called for an immediate ceasefire to stop the bloodshed in Gaza. According to the statement, 70 people were mur- dered in an airstrike the day before, roughly one kilometer from Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, and 122 wounded, including many children with severe burns, were transported to the hospital within minutes. The statement pointed out that approximately 10 surgeries are performed in the burn unit every day and that the hospital is full. November 21, 2023 During a joint press conference, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Algerian President Abdelmecid Tebbun stated that individuals respon- sible for the genocide in Gaza should be tried by the International Crim- inal Court. 82 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE November 22, 2023 President Erdoğan urged the G20 leaders to take the initiative in estab- lishing a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict and stated that Türkiye is ready to share responsibility for the new security architec- ture, including the guarantor mission. November 28, 2023 During his discussion with UN Secretary-General Guterres prior to the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza, President Erdoğan stated that “Israel continues to violate international law and must account for the crimes it has committed”. He expressed his condolences to Mr. Guterres for the more than 100 United Nations staff members who lost their lives in the Israeli attacks on Gaza. Members of the US House of Representatives, activists and actors staged a five-day hunger strike in front of the White House to call for a perma- nent ceasefire in Gaza. November 29, 2023 During his statement on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on November 29th, President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye is standing by its Palestinian brothers and sisters with its state and nation today, as it has done so throughout history, and that contacts would be accelerated to make the ceasefire permanent. President Er- doğan said that the second Turkish ship carrying 1,500 tons of humani- tarian aid had departed today. December 1, 2023 Anadolu News Agency (AA) cameraman Muntasir al-Sawaf, who was working in Gaza, was killed in an Israeli airstrike. During a meeting with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Türkiye is doing its best to stop Israel’s massacre in Gaza and that the Islamic world must act in unity to stop Israel. Speaking at the “World Climate Action Summit” organized in Dubai as part of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 83 Framework Convention on Climate Change, President Recep Tayyip Er- doğan said that the deaths of more than 16,000 innocent Palestinian ci- vilians, mostly children and women, as a result of Israeli attacks cannot be justified in any manner. He stated that what is happening in Gaza is a crime against humanity and a war crime and that the perpetrators must be held accountable before international law. December 4, 2023 Anadolu Agency (AA) published a book titled “The Evidence”, which clearly reveals the crimes committed by Israel in Gaza and includes images that serve as the primary evidence. While most countries, espe- cially Western countries, have remained silent on Israel’s indiscriminate attacks against women and children, most countries have claimed “lack of evidence” for the massacres. In response to these allegations, AA de- cided to publish the photos of its photojournalists and cameramen, who have played an important role since the beginning of the attacks, in or- der for such evidence to be used in international law. Speaking at the Opening Program of the 39th Ministerial Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), President Erdoğan stated that the establishment of the State of Palestine is the first step towards bringing about peace in our region and that, within this frame- work, Türkiye is prepared to take on a variety of roles, including that of guarantor, in collaboration with other nations. December 6, 2023 Mr. Pineda, a Spanish MEP from the Left Group and Head of the Europe- an Parliament’s (EP) Delegation for Relations with Palestine, held a press conference in the EP on the Israeli attack on journalists. Reminding that Muntasir al-Sawaf, an AA cameraman working in Gaza, was killed in an Israeli airstrike last week, he said that Israel particularly targets journal- ists in Gaza. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres issued an ur- gent letter to the Security Council regarding the dire humanitarian situ- ation in the Gaza Strip, invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter to urge the Council to address the international threat posed by Israel’s war on Gaza and to call for a humanitarian ceasefire. 84 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE December 8, 2023 Speaking at the “TRT World Forum 2023” held in Istanbul with the theme “Growing Together: Responsibilities, Actions and Solutions”, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that if Israel’s cruelty is not prevented, no one anywhere in the world will feel safe anymore and that Pandora’s box has been opened. Speaking at the same Forum, Fahrettin Altun, Head of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, stated that they had exposed hundreds of Israeli lies in the process. December 9, 2023 Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, together with members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League Contact Group, met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to Washington. December 10, 2023 In his meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Jordan’s King Ab- dullah II discussed the violence perpetrated by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank as well as Israel’s ongoing at- tacks in the Gaza Strip, stating that the violence could get out of control and that a ceasefire in Gaza and protection of Palestinian civilians were vital. December 11, 2023 A delegation from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) inspect- ed on site humanitarian aid being sent to the Gaza Strip from El-Arish, Egypt. A UNSC delegation visited the cities of Arish and Rafah and re- ceived information from the authorities. Philippe Lazzarini, Commis- sioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Pales- tine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), made statements to the press. December 13, 2023 With a view to demonstrating Türkiye’s solidarity for the Palestinian people to the rest of the world, a panel titled “Being Women and Children in Gaza” was held at the TGNA Ceremony Hall on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 85 According to Yaşar Güler, Minister of National Defense, 12 Turkish Air Force aircrafts delivered over 225 tons of health and humanitarian aid to Gaza, while two civilian ships transferred 2,162 tons of aid supplies to the region. He added that wounded Gazans, the majority of whom re- quired immediate treatment, were being transported to Türkiye by mili- tary jets, and that the total number of patients had reached 317. In their first official comments made in response to US President Joe Biden’s statement that “Israel started to lose the world’s support for its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza”, two Israeli ministers said that Tel Aviv “will never allow the establishment of a Palestinian state”. December 15, 2023 Mustafa Haruf, an Anadolu Agency (AA) photojournalist operating in occupied Al Quds, was severely beaten by Israeli soldiers while on duty. The journalist was hospitalized. December 16, 2023 Turkish lawyers have decided to submit new evidence of Israeli war crimes to the International Criminal Court. The evidence will include new footage, as well as Anadolu Agency’s book ‘The Evidence’, which contains the key evidentiary photographs that clearly reveal Israel’s crimes in Gaza. December 19, 2023 The 80th meeting of the Türkiye-EU Joint Parliamentary Committee was held in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Regarding Israel’s attacks on Palestine, the meeting noted, “It is unacceptable that the EU, which lists ‘contributing to global peace and security’ among its objectives, turns a blind eye to international law violations and has yet to call for a ceasefire.” December 29, 2023 South Africa has filed a “genocide case” at the International Court of Jus- tice on the grounds that Israel’s activities in Gaza since October 7 have violated the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. 86 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE January 1, 2024 In a statement, Hamas urged the International Committee of the Red Cross and other global human rights organizations to document Israel’s “arbitrary and systematic violations against Palestinian prisoners” and to bring legal action against those involved. January 2, 2024 Ismail Haniya, the head of the political bureau of Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, stated that they are ready for forming a Palestinian national unity government to administer both Gaza and the West Bank. Adnan Abu Hasene, spokesperson for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), stated that tens of thousands of people are “starving” in the central and north- ern Gaza Strip, and that humanitarian aid began arriving this week for the first time since the “humanitarian pause” ended on December 1. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has reportedly murdered 4,156 Palestinian students and injured 7,818 others in the blockaded Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank and East Al-Quds. January 3, 2024 WAFA, the official Palestinian agency, reported that there is no news about 7,000 people, including women and children, in the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to intensive Israeli attacks, and that the ma- jority of them died under the rubble, while some were captured by Israeli forces. It was noted that France will ban “extremist” Jewish settlers who com- mitted violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank from entering the country. January 4, 2024 The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that the Israeli army shelled their center in Khan Younis city in the blockaded Gaza Strip, injuring seven people. It was announced that the Israeli army has fired more than 45,000 mis- siles and bombs and used over 65,000 tons of explosives, including in- ternationally forbidden weapons, in its nearly three-month assault on the Gaza Strip. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 87 January 5, 2024 The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has called for immediate and uninterrupted aid to be de- livered to the northern Gaza Strip, noting that 1.9 million Palestinians whose settlements have been bombed by Israeli forces in Gaza and who have been displaced at gunpoint are struggling to survive without shel- ter, food, clean water, medicine, or healthcare. January 6, 2024 According to Geneva-based Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Watch (Euro-Med), around 4% of the Gaza Strip’s population is dead, injured, or missing. About 70% of the infrastructure and facilities in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed by Israel’s relentless air, land and naval attacks since October 7. Patriarch Theophilos III of the Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem has urged the world community to take immediate action to stop the destruction in the Gaza Strip. January 7, 2024 The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate reported that 9% of journalists in Gaza have been killed as a result of Israeli attacks. The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has reportedly reached 22,835. January 8, 2024 The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that for the fourth time since December 26, it had canceled scheduled aid to al-Awda hospital in northern Gaza, which had been inaccessible for 12 days. According to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), 1,000 Pal- estinian journalists were working in Gaza when the attacks began, and around 100 of them were killed. The statement stated that “the risk of death for journalists in Gaza is higher than for soldiers on the front line,” citing the fact that 1.4% of US soldiers died in South Korea, 1.7% in Viet- nam, and 1.8% in World War II. 88 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE January 9, 2024 Ishak Sidir, the Palestinian Minister of Communications and Informa- tion Technology, stated that Israeli attacks destroyed 70% of the com- munication network in the occupied and blockaded Gaza Strip, and that rebuilding the network could take months after the war. The International Organization for the Defense of Children stated that children were the “main target” of Israeli attacks in 2023, and that the previous year was a “year of genocide” against Palestinian children. January 10, 2024 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the Republic of South Africa’s filing of a “genocide” action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), calling the case “unjustified”. January 11, 2024 The hearing on the Republic of South Africa’s request for preliminary injunctions in the lawsuit filed at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging that Israel’s actions in Gaza violated the Genocide Convention was held in The Hague. On the first day of the hearing, the South Afri- can side presented its allegations against Israel to the Court, along with its grounds and evidence, saying that Israel’s “deliberate actions against Gazans prove its genocidal intent”. Anadolu Agency photographs were presented as evidence at the ICJ hearing in which Israel was accused of genocide. Preliminary injunctions sought by South Africa required Israel to im- mediately end its military operations in Gaza, take the necessary steps to prevent genocide against Palestinians, ensure that displaced people return to their home and have access to humanitarian aid, such as ade- quate food, water, fuel, medical supplies, and hygiene products, as well as shelter and clothing, punish those responsible for genocide, preserve evidence of genocide, and report to the Court on a regular basis on how the injunctions were being implemented. The international aid organization Oxfam has reported that on average 250 people die daily in Gaza, compared to 96.5 in Syria, 43.9 in Ukraine and 23.8 in Afghanistan. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 89 January 12, 2024 Save the Children reported that since October 7, Israeli military attacks have killed 1% of children in the Gaza Strip, home to 1.1 million children. January 13, 2024 Despite the “genocide” case filed by the Republic of South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Ne- tanyahu stated that they will continue their attacks on the Gaza Strip. It was reported that the International Criminal Court (ICC) will also in- vestigate Israeli crimes against journalists in the Palestinian territories, including Gaza. January 14, 2024 On the 100th day of the Israeli army’s intense and destructive attacks on the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian administration said in a statement that the Netanyahu government turned the Gaza Strip into an uninhabitable place in 100 days and caused the worst humanitarian disaster in history with the massacres it committed. It was reported that, during this time, Israel carried out horrifying massacres in which nearly 100,000 people were killed, injured, or reported missing, that nearly 2 million people were forced to migrate without safe shelter or minimal living standards, that 70% of those killed in Israeli attacks were women and children, that the number of health workers killed increased to 337, and that Israel at- tacked the areas it designated as “safe areas” for civilians using one-ton bombs supplied by the US. January 15, 2024 The Israeli army has been bombarding the Gaza Strip since October 7, and it has reportedly purposefully targeted around 70% of municipal heavy and medium vehicles, putting them out of service. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) stated that Palestinians in the blockaded Gaza Strip, where Israel continues to attack, are suffering the greatest displacement since 1948. 90 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE January 16, 2024 The European Parliament’s (EP) plenary session on Gaza urged the Eu- ropean Union to support South Africa’s “genocide” action against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Qatar announced a deal between Israel and Hamas to enable the flow of medical and humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza in exchange for med- icine for Gaza prisoners. January 17, 2024 Slovenia, a member of the European Union (EU), has announced that it will submit its opinion at the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) hearings for advisory proceedings on the legal consequences of Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, which will begin on Feb- ruary 19. US independent Senator Bernie Sanders’ bill making military aid to Isra- el conditional on the country “not committing human rights violations” was rejected in the Senate. January 18, 2024 According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, if a Palestinian state is not established, the Palestinian people would continue to be op- pressed and suffer in unfair conditions. January 19, 2024 Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for For- eign Affairs and Security Policy, rejected to Israeli Prime Minister Ben- jamin Netanyahu’s statement that he “opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state” and argued that recognition of a Palestinian state is the only solution. January 20, 2024 Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel stated that Palestine is a sister coun- try for Cuba and said, “We reiterate our commitment to the free State of Palestine.” ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 91 UN Women published a report with data on the status of women and girls in Gaza, revealing that 1.9 million people have been displaced in Gaza, which has a population of around 2.3 million, nearly one million of whom are women and girls. January 22, 2024 The Gaza authorities announced that the Israeli army attacked five shel- ters in Khan Younis, targeting 30,000 displaced civilians. At a time of increased Israeli attacks in Khan Younis, the US government has declared that it does not favor a general ceasefire in Gaza, but rather “humanitarian pauses” to allow for the release of prisoners and the de- livery of aid. January 23, 2024 Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for For- eign Affairs and Security Policy, reiterated his position on a “two-state solution” in the Middle East, emphasizing that Israel cannot veto the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. January 24, 2024 The United Nations reported that due to Israeli restrictions, they were only able to deliver 25% of the aid to northern Gaza. According to a report published by the official Palestinian agency WAFA on the occasion of “International Education Day” on January 24, attacks on the Gaza Strip have severely disrupted education and training, de- priving more than 625,000 children of their education. January 25, 2024 Christophe Lemoine, spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry, de- clared that his country will respect the International Court of Justice’s judgment on the preliminary injunctions to be awarded in South Africa’s “genocide” case against Israel. Thomas White, UNRWA’s Gaza Director, said in a statement that the death toll at UN facilities targeted by the Israeli army in Gaza has risen to 12. 92 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Hamas announced the suspension of prisoner swap negotiations with Israel. January 26, 2024 The International Court of Justice ruled in the genocide case against Israel that Israel must take all measures to prevent the commission of acts listed in the Genocide Convention, paving the path for Israel to face genocide charges. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, has stated that the preliminary injunctions awarded by the International Court of Justice against Israel are binding on all parties. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 93 94 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE January 27, 2024 Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Pales- tine, accused the countries that announced the suspension of financial support to UNRWA in response to allegations that UNRWA employees were supporting Hamas of “aiding genocide”. Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Watch (Euro-Med) stated that the international community should consider calls to cease Israel’s deliber- ate killing of civilians in Gaza who are already starving to death. January 28, 2024 The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) stated, in a statement on the suspension of aid to UNRWA by Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Cana- da, Finland, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States after Israeli officials alleged on October 7, 2023 that some UNRWA staff members had supported Hamas, that this was “collective punishment” for those in Gaza. In a written statement, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said that UNR- WA meets the vital needs of millions of Palestinian refugees in extreme- ly harsh conditions, and that Israel had killed over 150 UNRWA staff members in Gaza since October 7. January 29, 2024 The Israeli army announced that it has detained 2,960 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since October 7, 2023, when the attacks on the Gaza Strip began, with 1350 of them being “linked to Hamas”. The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks rose to 26,637, while the number of journalists killed in Israeli attacks reached 121. The Arab League called on the United Nations Security Council to urge Israel to comply with the preliminary injunctions ruled by the Interna- tional Court of Justice. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 95 January 30, 2024 Regarding Israel’s charges against employees of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the UN has reported that the Tel Aviv government has not yet submitted a dossier. The Palestinian Authority for Environmental Quality has stated that Is- rael’s war on the blockaded Gaza Strip is not only causing humanitari- an disasters, but also destroying components of biodiversity, exposing them to centuries of destruction. January 31, 2024 Following the International Court of Justice’s preliminary injunctions against Israel, members of the United Nations Security Council came together to discuss allegations against staff of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the sus- pension of funding by countries. The UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, stated that the decisions to stop funding UNRWA should be reversed and that the organization’s life-saving work should not be compromised by the accusations made against a small number of its employees. Since the organization’s found- ing in 1950, UNRWA has been the primary supplier of humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees, including food, healthcare, education, and shel- ter. February 1, 2024 US President Joe Biden signed a presidential decree imposing sanctions on extremist Jewish settlers who have committed violence against Pal- estinians in the occupied West Bank. The number of Palestinians killed in the Israeli attacks on Gaza rose to 27,19. Israeli Jewish settlers have established a new “illegal settlement unit” near the town of Al-Bireh in the central occupied West Bank. 96 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE February 2, 2024 Osama al-Hamdan, a member of the Hamas Movement’s Political Bu- reau, stated that the Palestinian group will not accept an agreement un- til it includes a permanent ceasefire, which it has demanded since the very beginning. Israel has detained 6,485 Palestinians in the West Bank since October 7. RAMALLAH (AA) - The number of Palestinians detained by Israel in the occupied West Bank since October 7, 2023 has increased to 6,485. February 3, 2024 According to a written statement issued by the Gaza government’s Me- dia Office, 12,000 children have been killed in Gaza, which Israel has been attacking for 120 days. February 5, 2024 United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reportedly ap- pointed an Independent Panel to investigate allegations against the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNR- WA) and to maintain its independence. February 6, 2024 Martin Griffiths, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humani- tarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, stated that the popu- lation of Rafah in Gaza has quintupled and that bombing densely popu- lated areas could constitute a war crime. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate’s Freedoms Committee published a monthly report on Israeli crimes, violations and attacks against mem- bers of the press, emphasizing that Israel targets journalists with the most horrific methods and means to inflict the greatest possible dam- age. February 7, 2024 It has been reported that the Israeli army has burned approximately 3,000 houses in the Gaza Strip since it began its attacks on October 7, 2023. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 97 Palestinian Health Minister Mey al-Keyle announced that 340 physi- cians and healthcare professionals have lost their lives in the Gaza Strip since the attacks began. According to Palestinian sources, Hamas has agreed to a three-stage prisoner swap and ceasefire in Gaza, each lasting 45 days. February 8, 2024 The Palestinian Government in Gaza announced that approximately 17,000 Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip are living without one or both of their parents because they were killed or arrested in the Israeli attacks carried out since October 7, 2023. It has been reported that the number of journalists killed since Israel launched its attacks in Gaza on October 7 has risen to 124. February 9, 2024 Concerning the likelihood of an Israeli attack on Rafah in southern Gaza, Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnes Callamard remarked that Palestinians have nowhere to escape and that “the international community has an obligation to act to prevent genocide.” Tarik Jasarevic, spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO), noted that they have documented 721 attacks on healthcare centers in the occupied Palestinian territories since 7 October. The consultative meeting of Arab ministers in Saudi Arabia called for an “immediate ceasefire in Gaza”, which is under Israeli attacks. February 10, 2024 Egypt notified Israel that if a land operation against the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah occurs, the Israeli-Egyptian Peace Treaty will be sus- pended. February 12, 2024 Nasser Abu Bakr, the Head of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, an- nounced that the number of journalists killed has risen to 120, with Isra- el killing 10% of Gaza’s journalists in order to prevent them from telling the world the truth about what is going on in the Gaza Strip. 98 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Pales- tine, noted that Israel has denied all Special Rapporteurs’ access to Pal- estine since 2008. Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for For- eign Affairs and Security Policy, urged countries reacting to the civilian casualties in Israel’s attacks on Gaza to stop exporting arms to Israel. Amnesty International has noted that there is new evidence of possible war crimes in the Israeli attacks on Rafah. February 13, 2024 The United Nations special rapporteurs have emphasized that peaceful protests must be permitted to take place in order to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and put an end to the atrocities and severe human rights violations against the Palestinian people. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 26 schools in Gaza were totally destroyed and 162 out of 563 school buildings were directly struck, accounting for 30% of all schools. February 14, 2024 The United Nations has published a statement regarding the use of West- ern-supplied weapons by Israel for war crimes, stating that countries who sell or transfer weapons bear responsibility for how those weapons are used anywhere in the world. The UN Security Council has been urged by representatives of the UN member states involved in the Gaza issue to recognize its responsibility within the framework of its mandate, and to urgently establish a cease- fire in Gaza. February 15, 2024 The US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that at least 3 out of 4 journalists killed worldwide in 2023 died as a result of Israel’s attacks on Gaza. Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, said that Israel is in breach of the injunctions of the Inter- national Court of Justice (ICJ) by continuing its attacks on Gaza. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 99 February 16, 2024 The International Court of Justice has issued its ruling on the new in- junctions requested by South Africa in response to Israel’s plan to attack Rafah. The written statement said that the six injunctions issued by the Court on January 26, 2024 apply to the entire Gaza Strip, including Ra- fah, and that “the injunctions must be enforced immediately and effec- tively”. A draft resolution to forbid the entry to the country of illegal Jewish set- tlers who have committed violence against Palestinians in the Israeli-oc- cupied West Bank and Al-Quds was approved by the Dutch parliament. February 17, 2024 At the 37th Ordinary Meeting of the Summit of Heads of State and Gov- ernment of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, African lead- ers condemned Israel’s attacks on Gaza and accused Israel of destroying Gaza. A statement issued by the Media Office of the government in Gaza said that 12,660 children and 8,570 women have been killed in the 134-day Israeli attacks on Gaza. February 18, 2024 The government unanimously approved a resolution that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented to the cabinet, objection to the attempt by the international community to unilaterally recognize the state of Palestine. February 19, 2024 The International Court of Justice has started hearings on the legal consequences of Israel’s activities in the occupied Palestinian territo- ry. It was reported that 52 states, including Türkiye, as well as the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the African Union will make statements on the legal consequences of Israel’s activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Al-Quds, between 19-26 February. Norway announced its commitment to transfer to Palestine the tax reve- nues collected by Israel on behalf of the Palestinian Authority. 100 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israel has said that it does not recognize the ICJ hearing on the legal consequences of its occupation of Palestine. February 20, 2024 During the hearings at the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of Israel’s activities in the occupied Palestinian territo- ries, Belize’s representative argued that the Palestinian people have an inalienable right to self-determination and full independence, while Brazil’s representative requested that the ICJ confirm Israel’s illegal oc- cupation of Palestine and violation of its international obligations. The Belgian side accused Israel of attempting to alter the demographic com- position of the occupied Palestinian territory through unlawful Jewish settlements. The Tel-Aviv-based human rights organization “Physicians for Human Rights Israel” published a report with the testimonies of dozens of Pal- estinian detainees in Israeli prisons and reported that Palestinian de- tainees in Israeli prisons have been subjected to beatings, ill-treatment and medical neglect since October 7, 2023. The US vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, arguing that it was not yet appropriate to discuss a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel’s at- tacks continued, and that a “temporary ceasefire” lasting up to 6 weeks was sufficient to rescue hostages and increase humanitarian aid. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz harshly criticized the decision to restrict worshippers’ access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, accusing Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of plotting to burn down the coun- try. February 21, 2024 Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi announced that the gov- ernment has completed all necessary steps to prevent Qatar-based Al Jazeera television from broadcasting from Israel. In the ongoing hearings at the International Court of Justice, Guyana has highlighted that Israel’s occupation of Palestine has reached the lev- el of “annexation,” which is forbidden by international law. The US side, ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 101 on the other hand, sought to justify Israel’s occupation of Palestine on the basis of “security concerns,” claiming that the advisory opinion re- quested from the Court did not address Israel’s security concerns. February 22, 2024 During the ICJ hearings on the legal consequences of Israel’s activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, the Malaysian spokesperson em- phasized that Palestine has the “right to self-determination”, which is violated by the occupation, while Luxembourg accused the occupying Israel of continuing its violations. February 23, 2024 During the hearings at the International Court of Justice, Switzerland noted that Israel’s exploitation of natural resources belonging to the Pal- estinian people for its own benefit violates international law, while the UK spokesperson argued, alongside Israel, that disputes between the parties should not be resolved through the ICJ’s advisory function. The Norwegian representative, on the other hand, referred to UN Security Council resolutions stating that “Gaza is an integral part of the Palestin- 102 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ian territories” and that Israel’s occupation for more than half a century violates international law. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the government with a road map for the aftermath of the attacks in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli army has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis by maintaining its ground occupation. According to the roadmap, which includes the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israel’s maintenance of freedom of movement for security purposes, and the closure of the United Nations Relief and Works Agen- cy for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Israel intended to maintain freedom of movement for security and military purposes in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank. February 24, 2024 The Presidency’s Directorate of Communications hosted the Extraor- dinary Meeting of the Ministers of Information of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, which was attended by 20 min- isters from 43 countries and approximately 200 high-level representa- tives, including heads and senior executives of communication and me- dia organizations. The final statement issued after the meeting said: “We reiterate our condemnation of the Israeli occupation forces’ deliberate and systematic targeting of media workers, including killing and wound- ing, which is a gross violation of international law and international hu- manitarian law. We call on the international community to initiate an urgent investigation to hold the Israeli occupation forces accountable for their crimes against members of the media working in the occupied Palestinian territories.” February 26, 2024 While Mustafa al-Bergusi, Secretary General of the Palestinian Nation- al Initiative Movement, called for the formation of a “transitional unity government” in Palestine to “oppose Israel’s occupation plan,” Palestin- ian Prime Minister Mohamed Ishtiyya announced that he had submitted his resignation to President Mahmoud Abbas. During the hearing at the ICJ, Ahmet Yıldız, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, shared with the Court Türkiye’s information and findings on Is- rael’s unlawful actions in the Palestinian territories since 1967. Stating ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 103 that Türkiye is in favor of a two-state solution, Yıldız stressed the im- portance of establishing a Palestinian state with 1967 boundaries and Al-Quds as its capital. In the ongoing hearings at the International Court of Justice, the repre- sentative of the African Union argued that it is imperative to end the in- justice against the people of Gaza and the impunity of Israel and to hold it accountable for its actions. 104 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE February 27, 2024 MEPs accused the European Union leadership of being indifferent to Is- rael’s crimes in Gaza and called for an economic embargo and individual sanctions against Israel, recognition of the State of Palestine and unin- terrupted humanitarian aid. February 28, 2024 The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) published a report on Palestinians in the West Bank displaced by Jewish settlers’ violence and the actions of Israeli forces over the last year. Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, stated that Palestinian women and girls face inhu- mane and degrading treatment and expressed profound concern about the situation. The UN Security Council addressed the hazards posed by food insecu- rity in Gaza under the heading “Protection of Civilians in Armed Con- flict,” stressing that Israel’s use of “hunger” against civilians constituted a clear violation of international law. February 29, 2024 393 MEPs vetoed the Left Group’s request made in the European Parlia- ment for a call for halt to arms exports to Israel. The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that 104 people were killed and 760 injured when Israeli forces attacked Gaza City’s southern population who were waiting for humanitarian relief, and that there are no healthcare services left for those living in the city. March 1, 2024 Christian Lindmeier, spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO), reported that a hospital in Gaza recorded the death of 10 chil- dren due to “starvation”. Colombia expressed its “strongest” condemnation of Israeli troops firing on civilians trying to access food in Gaza. The statement drew attention to the attack, which killed 112 people and injured 760, and urged Israel to follow international humanitarian law and fulfill its international ob- ligations. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 105 The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was reportedly prevent- ed by the United States from reacting to the Israeli army’s killing of 112 Palestinians and wounding 760 others in Gaza as they awaited human- itarian aid. At the UNSC meeting held at the UN headquarters in New York, member states held negotiations on the issuance of a statement in response to the attack on the humanitarian aid convoy at the Nablusi Junction in Gaza City. European Union (EU) Council President Charles Michel stated that a ceasefire is urgently needed to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Representative of Palestine to the Unit- ed Nations (UN), stated that Israeli soldiers “deliberately targeted and killed” Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid at the Nablusi Junc- tion in northern Gaza. A memorial event was organized in London for US soldier Aaron Bush- nell, who set himself on fire in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washing- ton to protest Israel’s attacks on Gaza. Participants in the commemora- tion event held in Trafalgar Square in London, the capital of England, left candles and flowers at the memorial corner created for Bushnell. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2024: “The American soldier who set himself on fire because he 106 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE could no longer bear his complicity in the massacre in Gaza is an explicit sign of the legitimacy crisis of the international system”. “An urgent investigation must be launched in relation to the horrific re- ports that scores of Palestinians have been killed and injured while try- ing to receive food aid in northern Gaza”, reported Amnesty Internation- al in a statement on the killing by Israeli forces of Palestinians waiting for aid in Gaza. In the Netherlands, a sit-in protest in support of Palestine was organized at a total of 16 train stations in different cities including Utrecht, The Hague, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Demonstrators gathered at the train station in the central city of Utrecht, carrying Palestinian flags and call- ing for a “ceasefire”. . The New York Times, one of the leading media outlets in the US, claimed that the aid convoy was organized by Israel in the attack on February 29, in which more than 100 Gazans waiting for humanitarian aid were killed when Israeli forces opened fire. The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) said that reports of Israeli attacks on Gazans waiting for aid were “alarming”. Geneva-based Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Watch (Euro-Med) reported that its preliminary investigations into the killing of more than 100 civilians in Gaza while waiting for aid “confirm that dozens of starving Palestinian civilians were killed and wounded by Israeli army fire.” ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 107 Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker, President of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA), expressed concern about the world scientific community’s si- lence regarding Israel’s attacks on Gaza. He stated, “It is worrying that the world of science, which should work for the benefit of humanity, re- mains silent while babies and women are being massacred.” Nada Hussein, the Palestine and Arab World Coordinator of the Pales- tinian Campaign for an Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), stated that Israeli universities are complicit in the war crimes committed in Gaza and that “Israeli universities should be academically boycotted because they are an integral part of the settler, colonial, and apartheid system”. Fahrettin Altun, Head of Communications of the Presidency, comment- ed about the Exhibition of Gazan Child Artists organized within the scope of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF): “We really want to ex- plain the persecution in Gaza on the one hand, and on the other hand, we want to show Türkiye’s just struggle against this persecution to the whole world in a clear way so that these persecutions do not happen. In order to prevent these persecutions, the whole world should cooperate and struggle for truth and justice”. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, “The international community can only repay its debt to the Palestinian people through the establish- ment of a Palestinian state. The establishment of an independent, sover- eign and territorially integral Palestinian State is essential on the basis of the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds as its capital. March 2, 2024 United Nations (UN) Women has pointed out that the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, in which nearly 9,000 women have been killed, are also a war on women. March 4, 2024 The Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip called on the United Nations (UN) to take action, stating that nearly 1 million cases of conta- gious diseases have been detected in the Israeli-occupied and blockaded Gaza Strip, which is home to approximately 2.3 million Palestinians. 108 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In Belgium, pro-Palestinian protestors blocked the entrances and exits of defense corporations, OIP Sensor Systems and Thales, accusing them of supplying guns to Israel. Francesca Albanese, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Palestine, called on the United States to “stop the Israeli attacks on Gaza instead of airlifting food aid to Gaza”. Following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, “(Gaza) The Islamic world needs, more than ever, to be united like the bricks of a wall. The future of any country and people that legitimizes the systematic usurpation of the Palestinian territories since World War II will not be secure. Türkiye is doing its best for Gaza and Palestine, and will continue to do so”. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 109 March 5, 2024 Aslı Güven, Türkiye’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), emphasized the importance of the work of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and said, “We call on all parties to support UNRWA.” The Ministry of National Defense reported that medical supplies pre- pared for the needy in Gaza were delivered to Jordan yesterday by an A400M aircraft. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) stated that babies in Gaza, which has been the target of Israeli attacks since October 7, are “slowly dying before the eyes of the world”. United Nations (UN) rapporteurs have reported that Israel has deliber- ately starved people in Gaza since October 8, and is currently targeting civilians trying to reach humanitarian aid and aid convoys. 110 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE March 12, 2024 Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations (UN) Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNR- WA), stated that the number of children reportedly killed in Gaza in the Israeli attacks since October 7 is more than the total number of children killed in wars around the world in the last 4 years. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for For- eign Affairs and Security Policy, said that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was caused by Israel’s blocking of humanitarian aid from reaching the region. March 15, 2024 The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition in the northern Gaza Strip under Israeli attacks has doubled in one month. March 21, 2024 Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), told European Union (EU) leaders, “We must stick to principles (on the pro- tection of civilians) without double standards, in Gaza and in Ukraine.” ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 111 The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that 37 mothers die every day in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli attacks. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), said, “History will judge us all for what these chil- dren (in Gaza) have endured.” March 22, 2024 In Yemen, tens of thousands of people demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which is under Israeli occupation and attacks. The European Union (EU) called for an immediate “humanitarian pause” leading to a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and urged Israel to refrain from launching a ground assault on Rafah. March 31, 2024 Residents of Gennevilliers, a suburb of the French capital Paris, planted 13,000 Palestinian flags in memory of the children killed in Israel’s at- tacks on Gaza. 112 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In Israel, more than a hundred thousand people took part in mass demonstrations against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and in support of the families of Israeli prisoners in the Gaza Strip, while in West Jerusalem, demonstrators blocked traffic on a high- way, lit fires and clashed with police. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza accused the Israeli army of attacking Shifa Hospital and executing, arresting or forcibly displacing patients’ caregivers to the south of the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian government in the Gaza Strip announced that another Palestinian journalist was killed by Israeli shelling, bringing to 137 the number of journalists killed since Israel launched its attacks on the Gaza Strip on October 7. April 1, 2024 Konya Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief Founda- tion (İHH) sent 22 trucks loaded with food and various supplies collect- ed within the scope of the “Freedom Flotilla is sailing again” campaign to Gaza. Israeli defense officials and soldiers told Haaretz newspaper that the army has established “killing zones” in Gaza and indiscriminately kills anyone who enters those zones. Thousands of people demonstrated in many Moroccan cities demand- ing an end to Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip. The Civil Defense in Gaza City said that the Israeli army’s actions in and around Shifa Hospital in Gaza City were “beyond description”. Regarding the Israeli raid on the Shifa Hospital, Malta’s Permanent Rep- resentative to the United Nations (UN) Vanessa Frazier stated that Israel should respect international law and not target hospitals. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 113 April 2, 2024 Palestinian doctors Marwan Abu Sada and Faris Afane said that the Is- raeli army destroyed all the departments of Shifa Hospital by burning it down and bombing it during its raids and attacks in Gaza City for two weeks, rendering it totally unusable. Margaret Harris, spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO), reported that they witnessed the ruins of the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which the Israeli army attacked and completely destroyed. The Palestinian Ministry of Education announced that 6,050 Palestin- ian students have lost their lives since October 7, when Israel launched its war on the Gaza Strip. With the Israeli army detaining 40 Palestinians more, the number of Palestinians detained in the occupied West Bank since October 7, 2023, when the attacks on the Gaza Strip began, has risen to 7,960. In the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been carrying out attacks for 6 months, Palestinian families reported that they are worried about their children suffering from hepatitis due to the lack of food, hygiene and treatment facilities, as well as the continuous shelling. 114 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Fahrettin Altun, Presidency’s Head of Communications, condemned the killing of employees of the US-based international humanitarian aid or- ganization World Central Kitchen (WCK) in an Israeli attack on Gaza. Xavier Joubert, Save the Children’s country director in the occupied Pal- estinian territories, emphasized that the physical and mental health of children in Gaza is being devastated and said that it was “remorseless” to keep life-saving aid waiting at the border. The United Nations has reported that the number of humanitarian work- ers killed (by Israel) in the occupied Palestinian territory since October 7 has reached 196. According to the data on the website of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Türkiye was the second country to deliver the most humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip under Israeli attacks. The share of Türkiye’s humanitari- an aid has reached 23 percent. April 3, 2024 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Türkiye’s humanitarian aid to Gaza reached 42,000 tons. The number of Palestinians detained in the occupied West Bank since October 7, 2023, when the Israeli army began its attacks in the Gaza Strip, has risen to 7,990. Pope Franciscus, the spiritual leader of Catholics and Head of State of the Vatican, said he reiterated his demand for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. 24,000 women and children have been killed in Israel’s 6-month- long attacks on Gaza. In Gaza, where 60,000 pregnant women are in life-threatening danger due to lack of medical check-ups and support, 17,000 children are separated from one or both of their parents. In Gaza, 484 healthcare professionals, 65 civil defense officers and 140 journal- ists were killed in the Israeli attacks. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 115 April 4, 2024 The Declaration of the National Security Council called on “the inter- national community to end the attacks on the people of Gaza and re- lief organizations as soon as possible and to support our efforts to bring comprehensive humanitarian aid and lasting peace to the region”. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reported that approximate- ly 4 children have been killed every hour in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023 in the ongoing Israeli attacks. April 5, 2024 The Palestinian Prisoners Society announced that there are 200 Pales- tinian children in Israeli prisons, including 23 detainees from the Gaza Strip. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) stated that Israel has damaged or destroyed around 62 percent of Gaza’s homes in its attacks since October 7. April 9, 2024 33,360 Palestinians, including at least 14,500 children and 9,560 women, have been killed and 75,993 people have been injured in Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7. The Ministry of Trade decided to impose export restrictions on 54 prod- uct groups in response to Israel’s continued attacks on Palestine. The de- cision of the Ministry of Trade to impose restrictions on Israel covers a wide range of products from rebar to flat steel, from marble to ceramics. April 10, 2024 President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Türkiye is doing, and con- tinues to do, its very best to stop the oppression in Gaza and to ensure that peace and tranquility prevail in the region and said: “We invite those who slander their own state and nation through lies, distortions and ma- nipulation to act with reason, conscience and wisdom.” 116 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that 122 Palestin- ians lost their lives and 56 Palestinians were wounded in the attacks of the Israeli army on the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours. April 12, 2024 A group of journalists, including TRT Arabic team, were injured when the Israeli army shelled the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in the Gaza Strip. Journalists injured in the attack were transported to Avde Hospital for treatment. TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı stated that cam- eraman Sami Shahada from TRT Arabi lost his leg in the Israeli airstrike on Nuseirat Camp, while reporter Sami Berhum is in good condition. In many provinces such as Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş, Konya, Erzin- can, Kütahya, Sakarya, Çorum, Erzurum, Karaman, Antalya, Adıyaman and Malatya, the Israeli attacks on Gaza were protested and funeral prayers were held in absentia for those who lost their lives. April 13, 2024 “By targeting journalists, Israel is not only violating international law, but is also committing genocide. It is committing a genocide against Muslims, against Palestinians. We have to fight against it”, said Fahrettin Altun, Presidency’s Head of Communications. The Israeli army committed 2,973 massacres in the Gaza Strip in 190 days, killing more than 33,600 Palestinians, including 14,560 children and 9,582 women. 7,000 people were lost under the rubble and more than 76,000 were injured. April 14, 2024 The United Nations (UN) reported that 41 percent of UN-coordinated aid missions to northern Gaza on 6-12 April were impeded or denied access. After months of Israel allowing a limited amount of flour and fuel into northern Gaza, bread was produced in a bakery in Gaza City. Palestin- ians formed long queues in front of the bakery to buy bread. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 117 April 15, 2024 The head of the Media Office of the government in Gaza, Salamah Ma- rouf, said in a written statement that northern Gaza has been subjected to unprecedented environmental pollution and that uncollected gar- bage, temporary mass graves and the rubble of demolished houses can cause serious health problems. 118 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In a meeting with foreign diplomats in his country, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa described the danger posed by the illegal Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank due to their attacks. The number of people killed in the Israeli military attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023 has risen to 33,797. 2.2. War Crimes in International Criminal Law The law of war aims to regulate all the rules of war, whether openly de- clared or not, regulates the relations of warring countries with each oth- er and with countries that are not participating in the war, and states the rights and responsibilities of individuals in war. On the other hand, war crimes appear as sanctions against violations of the law of war. Although the rules of humanitarian law have existed since the begin- ning of humanity’s encounter with war, these rules have only recently been put in writing. The first important example is the Lieber Act of 1863, enacted during the American Civil War. This law rearranged indi- vidual liability for similar situations and violations in the military spec- ifications of many countries. After this, the first international general regulation was made with the “The Geneva Convention Concerning the ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 119 Amelioration of the Condition of the Sick and Wounded in the Armies in the Battlefield” dated 1864. The Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907 ad- opted at the end of the Hague Peace Conferences, are other regulations implemented on the subject. In 1925, the “Protocol on the Prohibition of the Use of Asphyxiating, Poi- sonous and Similar Gases and Bacteriological Warfare Methods in War” was carried out and after World War II, the 1949 Geneva Conventions were prepared. “The Convention for the Protection of Cultural Values in Armed Con- flict” in 1954, “The Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Biological and Poisonous Weapons” in 1972, “The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Environmental Modi- fication Techniques for Military Purposes” in 1976, “The Convention on Limits and Prohibitions on the Use of Weapons Having Indiscriminate Effects and Causing Extreme Suffering” in 1980, 120 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “The Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction” in 1993, “The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transport of Anti-personnel Mines and on their Destruction” in 1997, and in 2000, the “Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflicts in Addition to the Convention on the Rights of the Child” has become some of the regulations accepted in this field. It should also be stated that these rules are absolute rules that protect the interests of the individual, not the state, and therefore they have a jus cogens nature. War crimes, which deeply affect the international community, are fun- damental legal rules that have universal jurisdiction in terms of crime categories and international criminal liability of individuals. Within the framework of these principles, both the International Criminal Court, a universal judicial institution, and national courts have the authority to conduct trials and impose penalties, regardless of the place where the crime was committed or the nationality of the victims or those respon- sible. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 121 The individual criminal liability of people who commit such crimes is a customary law in international law, it is even a jus cogens (command rule), and as a result of this, it is an erga omnes (all states must comply) obligation for states to catch and prosecute those responsible, or to ex- tradite them if they will not prosecute them. In short, war crimes that can be defined as “a violation of the law of armed conflict and customary rules leading to individual liability in international law”, “a serious violation of treaties and customary rules containing regulations of humanitarian law in armed conflicts” or “a vi- olation of the rules of international humanitarian law committed during the armed conflict”, are the type of crime that has the strongest founda- tion among international crimes, both in terms of the legality of crimes and penalties and jurisdiction. 122 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The war crimes have been regulated in Article 8 of the Statute of the In- ternational Criminal Court. This article defines crimes that can be com- mitted during both international armed conflicts and internal armed conflicts. While preparing the statute, which acts would be considered war crimes was discussed, and some states wanted acts recognized by international customary law to be defined as war crimes. Some states have proposed that the acts listed in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols be considered war crimes. Whether or not internal conflicts should be considered war crimes has also been discussed. As a result, war crime acts have been regulated in the Statute to include in- ternational armed conflicts and internal armed conflicts. While criminal acts are 40 in total and the crimes are limited. All acts that are consid- ered war crimes are generally grouped under four headings. (1) Very Serious Violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions The 1949 Geneva Conventions are the most comprehensive conventions regulating the law of war and prohibited acts during war. These contract ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 123 texts are well-established in international law literature and practice. After many states joined these conventions, they also regulated their domestic law accordingly. Article 8 of the Statute also considered war crimes if the following eight criminal acts included in the Geneva Con- ventions were committed against persons or property protected by the Geneva Conventions: i) First-degree murder; ii) Torture or inhumane treatment, including biological experi- ments; iii) Intentionally causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health; iv) Widespread destruction or appropriation of property, unlaw- fully and arbitrarily, without military necessity; v) Forcing a prisoner of war or other protected person to serve in the armed forces of an enemy state; vi) Intentional deprivation of a prisoner of war or other protected person of the right to a fair and regular trial; vii) Unlawful exile or transfer or unlawful detention, viii) Hostage taking. (2) Other Serious Violations of the Laws and Customs Applicable in International Armed Conflicts Other serious violations of the rules and customs applicable in inter- national conflicts are also considered war crimes by Article 8/2-b of the Statute. As it can be understood from the title of the clause, this clause can only be applied in international armed conflicts. Other paragraphs of the article may be applied in non-international armed conflicts, but it is not possible to apply this paragraph. This clause includes some acts that are not defined in the Geneva Convention. These verbs are listed comprehensively as follows: i) Intentionally directing attacks against civilian individuals or civilian populations who are not directly involved in hostilities; 124 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ii) Intentionally launching attacks against non-military, civilian targets that do not have military purposes; iii) Intentionally directing attacks against personnel, facilities, material, troops or vehicles assigned to peacekeeping forces or humanitarian aid, in accordance with the United Nations Char- ter, as long as they have the right to benefit from the protection afforded to civilians or civilian objects under the international law of armed conflict; iv) Initiating an attack with the knowledge that it will result in in- jury or death to civilians or damage to civilian objects, which will be excessive in comparison with the concrete and direct military advantages anticipated, and will cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment; v) Bombing cities, villages, settlements or buildings that are de- fenseless or do not constitute a military target, or attacking these places with any means; vi) Killing or injuring a soldier who has laid down his weapon, lacks the means of self-defense, and has surrendered voluntarily; vii) Causing death or serious injury by improperly using the flag of surrender, United Nations or enemy flags, military insignia and uniforms, as well as the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions; viii) Direct or indirect transfer by the occupying state of part of its civilian population to the occupied territory, or the deportation or transfer of all or part of the population of the occupied territo- ry within or outside this country; ix) Deliberate attacks on buildings used for religious, educational, artistic, scientific or charitable purposes, historical monuments, hospitals and places where the sick and wounded are gathered, provided that they are not for military purposes; x) Subjecting persons under the control of the other party to medical or scientific experiments or physical injury that may lead to death or seriously endanger health, contrary to their per- ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 125 sonal interests, without the need for medical, dental or hospital treatment; xi) Treacherous killing or wounding of individuals affiliated with an enemy nation or army; xii) Declaring no mercy; xiii) Destruction or seizure of enemy property, unless the exigen- cies of war make such seizure or destruction necessary; xiv) Declaring that the rights and actions of nationals of the ene- my party in the courts are abolished, suspended or inadmissible; xv) Forcing nationals of the enemy party to take part in war ac- tions against their own state, even if they were in the service of the belligerent before the start of the war; xvi) Looting a city or place even if it was captured as a result of attack; xvii) Use of poison or poisonous weapons; xviii) Use of asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases or similar liq- uids, materials or devices; xix) Using bullets that easily enter the human body or disinte- grate in the body, such as bullets that do not fully cover the core or split open; xx) Weapons, projectiles, materials or methods of warfare that cause unnecessary injury or suffering or, if included as an annex to this Statute in accordance with the provisions of Articles 121 and 123 and are subject to broad prohibition, would constitute spontaneous and indiscriminate violations of the international law of war use; xxi) Behavior that insults human dignity, especially humiliating and degrading behavior; xxii) Rape, sexual enslavement, forced prostitution, forced preg- nancy, forced sterilization or other forms of sexual violence as 126 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE defined in Article 7, paragraph 2(f), which seriously violate the Geneva Conventions; xxiii) Using the presence of a civilian or other protected person to exempt certain points, areas or military forces from military operations; xxiv) Intentionally carrying out attacks on buildings, materials, health and transportation units using the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions, in accordance with international law; xxv) The use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of items indispensable for their survival, includ- ing knowingly denying them relief supplies provided by the Ge- neva Conventions; xxvi) Recruitment of children under the age of 15 to the national armed forces, recruitment or active use in conflicts. Article 8/2-b of the Statute, explained above, was prepared by quoting or inspired by the Hague conventions of 1899 and 1907, relatively new customary international law and the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions. (3) Serious Violations of Article 3 Common to the 1949 Geneva Con- ventions in a Non-International Armed Conflict Although the international character of a conflict is important to a cer- tain extent in terms of war crimes, it is also possible to commit war crimes in conflicts that are not international. The Syrian War is an exam- ple given of an armed conflict that is not international. Article 3, which contains common provisions in all Geneva Conventions, is included using the same text. Serious violations of this article, that is, the following acts committed against persons not actively taking part in hostilities, persons who are out of combat (hors de combat) due to illness, injury, detention, or any other reason, including members of the armed forces who have laid down their weapons, are considered war crimes (Statute art. 8/2-c): i) Violence against the right to life, especially all kinds of killing, maiming, cruel treatment and torture; ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 127 ii) Behavior that insults human dignity, especially humiliating and belittling behavior; iii) Hostage taking; iv) Punishment and execution without an ordinary court deci- sion, based on law and with generally accepted legal guarantees. The provisions above apply only to non-international armed conflicts. For this reason, it is not applied to internal disturbances and tensions such as demonstrations within the country, isolated and occasional acts of violence, or other acts of a similar nature (Statute art. 8/2-d). (4) Other Serious Violations of Laws and Customs Not of an Inter- national Character But Applicable in Armed Conflicts The principle of equal sovereignty of states, one of the fundamental prin- ciples of international law, has been included in the Statute on many oc- casions. An attempt has been made to establish assurance mechanisms of international law without interfering in the internal affairs of states. The following acts have been recognized as other serious violations of the law and customs not of an international character but applicable in armed conflicts (Statute art. 8/2-e): i) Intentional attacks against civilians who are not directly in- volved in hostilities or against the civilian population; ii) Intentional attacks on personnel, material, medical units and transport using the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conven- tions in accordance with international law; iii) Intentional attacks against personnel, facilities, material, units or vehicles engaged in humanitarian or peacekeeping mis- sions in accordance with the United Nations Charter, provided that they are entitled to the protection afforded to civilians and civilian objects in accordance with the law of armed conflict; iv) Intentionally carrying out attacks on buildings used for re- ligious, educational, artistic, scientific or charitable purposes, historical monuments, hospitals and places where the sick and wounded are gathered, provided that they are not for military purposes; 128 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE v) Looting a city or place, even if it was captured as a result of attack; vi) Rape, sexual enslavement, forced prostitution, forced preg- nancy, forced sterilization or other forms of sexual violence as defined in Article 7, paragraph 2(f), which seriously violates the Geneva Conventions; vii) Recruitment of children under the age of 15 to the national armed forces, recruitment or active use in conflicts; viii) Instructing the displacement of civilians due to reasons aris- ing from the conflict, unless required for the safety of civilians or military reasons; ix) Treacherously killing or injuring the combatants of the other side; x) Declaring no mercy; xi) Subjecting persons under the control of the other party to medical or scientific experiments or physical injury that may lead to death or seriously endanger health, contrary to their per- sonal interests, without the need for medical, dental or hospital treatment; xii) Destruction or seizure of enemy property, unless the necessi- ties of war make such seizure or destruction necessary; xiii) Use of poison or poisoned weapons; xiv) Use of asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases and any simi- lar liquids, substances or devices; xv) Use of bullets that explode or travel through the human body, such as bullets with hard casings or slits that do not completely cover the core. War crimes are the crimes that are most frequently committed by state officials and for which they offer various justifications. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 129 2.3. War Crimes Committed by Israel According to International Criminal Law Acts committed by Israel in violation of other serious laws and customs applicable to the international law of war include: - Intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population as such or against individual civilians not taking direct part in hostili- ties; It was reported that there were casualties as a result of the attack on a building belonging to the Maslah family in the city of Belah, Gaza. Civil defense teams and local people carried out search and rescue operations in the wreck of the collapsed building. One person was rescued alive from the wreck. 130 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE On April 5, 2024, Israel targeted civilians who were waiting for aid Israeli forces opened fire on civilians waiting for aid supplies near the Kuwait Roundabout, east of Gaza City. The body of a Palestinian mur- dered in the attack was transferred to Baptist Hospital by United Na- tions Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) personnel. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 131 - Intentionally directing attacks against personnel, installations, material, units, or vehicles involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, as long as they are entitled to the protection given to civilians or civilian objects under the international law of armed conflict; The International Committee of the Red Cross: Our humanitarian aid convoy was opened fire on in Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that fire was opened on a convoy carrying humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, which is under Israeli blockade and bombardment. 132 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In the statement made on the X social media platform of the ICRC, a call was made to respect those working for humanitarian aid in the blockad- ed Gaza Strip. The following statements were made in the statement, in which all par- ties in Gaza were asked to protect those engaged in humanitarian aid activities under international humanitarian law. “The International Committee of the Red Cross condemns and regrets the shooting at the humanitarian aid convoy in Gaza. We are deeply troubled that our humanitarian aid convoy in Gaza City came under fire today.” ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 133 They attacked a humanitarian aid convoy in Gaza The International Committee of the Red Cross stated that a humanitar- ian aid convoy carrying medical supplies to hospitals in the Gaza Strip was opened fire on, and that 1 driver was slightly injured and 2 trucks were damaged in the attack. 134 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israel targeted two vehicles of the international food aid organi- sation It was reported that the seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) members killed were from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, the United States-Canada, and Palestine. Western employees of the international aid organisation were killed in the Israeli attack on Gaza The Israeli army attacked a vehicle belonging to the US-based interna- tional volunteer aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK) in Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip, causing deaths, according to reports. Four foreign employees of the international organisation were killed in the attack. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 135 The Israeli army bombarded southern Gaza from both the ground and air The Israeli army bombarded the southern Gaza Strip from both the air and the ground a few days prior to Ramadan. A significant number of tanks, armoured personnel vehicles, and military bulldozers were ob- served departing Gaza in open fields in Israeli locations near Khan You- nis in southern Gaza. 136 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The Israeli army continues to launch strikes against the Gaza Strip Israel continues to launch air, ground, and sea strikes against the block- aded Gaza Strip. The Israeli forces inflicted substantial destruction in and around the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, which was utterly destroyed by the attacks that began on March 18 and persisted for 14 days. By set- ting off explosives, Israeli forces had demolished numerous buildings in the vicinity of the hospital. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 137 - The transfer, directly or indirectly, by the Occupying Power of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies, or the de- portation or transfer of all or parts of the population of the occupied territory within or outside this territory; Jewish settlers attacking Palestinian farmers in the West Bank pre- vent the olive harvest Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank have not been able to ap- proach their own lands or harvest olives since October 7 due to attacks by Jewish settlers. 138 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In addition to Israeli extreme-rightist Finance Minister Bezalel Smo- trich’s call for the creation of “Palestinian-free” Jewish zones in the West Bank, Jewish settlers have increased attacks and violations of rights against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since October 7, when Israel intensified its attacks on the blockaded Gaza Strip. Palestinian Abdurrahim İsa, who has 80 thousand square meters of land in the Senirya village of Kalkilya city in the north of the West Bank, stat- ed that he could not harvest on his land, which mostly consists of olive trees, due to the attacks of Jewish settlers. Answering the questions of an AA correspondent at his home, 65-year- old İsa said that he has been hampered from going to his land since Oc- tober 7 due to the land’s proximity to an illegal Jewish settlement. “We will not leave this place, even at the cost of our lives.” Regarding the attack by the settlers, Isa said, “They want us to migrate so that they can seize the land. But all we have is this land, our honor, and our dignity. We will not leave this place, even at the cost of our lives.” Isa and his family, who were subjected to a similar attack about four months ago, were unable to harvest olives like the other Palestinians in the region and other parts of the West Bank. Israel intends to annex the West Bank by implementing an expansionist policy under the pretext of “security.” The Palestinian Foreign Ministry states that Jewish settlers are trying to control as much of the West Bank as possible under the pretext of “en- suring their own security” against the Palestinians. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed ed-Dik said, “Israel exploits the war in the Gaza Strip and implements an expansionist policy under the pretext of security to annex the West Bank, control Palestinian lands, and create buffer zones.” ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 139 - Pillaging a town or place, even when taken by assault; Jewish settlers’ attacks on Al-Mughayyir village in the West Bank A recent attack by illegal Jewish settlers on Al-Mughayyir village in the east of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah resulted in five injuries among the Palestinians. Settlers set fire to a number of Palestinian hous- es and vehicles in the village. Pillaging a town or place, even when taken by assault; Violence and land grabs by Jewish settlers displace 500 Palestinians in 2022 and 2023 About 500 Palestinians were forcibly displaced between 2022 and Au- gust 2023 as a result of Jewish settler violence and the illegal seizure of Palestinian land. 140 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 141 - Employing poison or poisoned weapons; Amnesty International shares evidence that Israel used white phosphorus in Gaza Amnesty International has published evidence that the Israeli army used white phosphorus in densely populated civilian areas in Gaza. Among the evidence are photographs taken by Anadolu Agency (AA) photojour- nalist. According to the statement made by the organization, Amnesty International’s Crisis Response Program has collected compelling evi- dence documenting the Israeli army’s use of white phosphorus artillery shells in densely populated civilian areas of Gaza. Videos and photos verified by Amnesty International’s Crisis Evidence Laboratory show that Israel used white phosphorus in Gaza, which it has been bombing since October 7. M109 155 mm Howitzers can be seen in the photo of the ammunition that the Israeli army stockpiled in the city of Sderot, 1 kilo- meter from the Gaza border, where Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Also in the photo, there are M825 and M825A1 artillery shells la- beled D528, which is the U.S. Department of Defense Identification Code for “white phosphorus-based munitions.” 142 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE - Employing asphyxiating, poisonous, or other gases and all analo- gous liquids, materials or devices; Effects of the white phosphorus bomb on human health ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 143 - Committing outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliat- ing and degrading treatment; Israeli Defense Minister: ‘’We are fighting human animals’’. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a “complete blockade” of Gaza, announcing that the authorities would cut off electricity and pre- vent the entry of food and fuel. Gallant said Israel is at war with “human animals.” 144 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israel exposed half-naked Palestinians, including children, in a stadium in Gaza. Israeli forces stripped Palestinians, including children and the elderly, and exposed them at a stadium in Gaza. In the footage shared on social media accounts and local media chan- nels, it is seen that a large number of displaced Palestinian civilians are detained by Israeli soldiers and gathered half-naked in a stadium in Gaza. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 145 UN: Carrying out hostilities with the knowledge that they will make Gaza uninhabitable is a war crime. United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur Rajagopal said, “Carrying out hostilities with the knowledge that they will systematically destroy and damage civilian housing and infrastructure, rendering an entire city – such as Gaza city– uninhabitable for civilians, is a war crime.” 146 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Rajagopal, the UN special rapporteur on housing rights, made a written statement regarding Israel’s intense attacks and blockade on Gaza. Rajagopal stated that the world should take immediate action to put an end to the terrible and mass attacks against civilian residences and in- frastructure in Gaza, affecting human life, and he stated that, “Carrying out hostilities with the knowledge that they will systematically destroy and damage civilian housing and infrastructure, rendering an entire city – such as Gaza city – uninhabitable for civilians is a war crime.” Rajagopal noted that systematic or widespread bombing of residences, civilian facilities, and infrastructure is strictly prohibited by internation- al humanitarian law, criminal law, and human rights law. Emphasizing that such actions would mean “war crimes”, Rajagopal stated that they would mean “crimes against humanity” when directed against the civilian population. Rajagopal stated that apartment buildings, hospitals, ambulances, schools, churches, mosques, infrastructure facilities and refugee camps are not military objects. He asserted that civilian residences in Israel are also within this scope, and that it is a war crime to launch attacks on them in Gaza or elsewhere. Stating that ordering the evacuation of more than 1 million people in Gaza from north to south and repeatedly attacking evacuation routes and “safe zones” “is a brutal and blatant violation of international hu- manitarian law,” Rajagopal said, “This action of Israel constitutes an in- ternational crime.” 2.4. Genocide Genocide means a coordinated plan of different actions aiming at the destruction of the essential foundations of the lives of national groups with the aim of annihilating the groups themselves. The objectives of such a plan would be the disintegration of the political and social insti- tutions, culture, language, national feelings, religion, and the economic existence of national groups, and the destruction of the personal securi- ty, liberty, health, dignity, and even the lives of the individuals belonging to such groups. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 147 Genocide is defined in Article II of the 1948 Convention on the Preven- tion and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The article is as follows: “In the present Convention, “genocide” means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethni- cal, racial, or religious group, as such: a. Killing members of the group; b. Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; c. Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; d. Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; e. Forcibly transferring the children of the group to another group.” The same definition is included in Article 6 of the Rome Statute. The only difference between the Convention and the Statute is that, while the phrase “in the present Convention” is used in the Convention, the phrase “in the present Statute” is necessarily and appropriately pre- ferred in the Statute. Article 4 of the Genocide Convention states that people who commit the crime of genocide must be punished. The definition of the crime of genocide is also seen in the same across the Statutes of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yu- goslavia, and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and the Statute of the International Criminal Court (Rome Statute). 148 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israel is currently committing the following 3 of the 5 acts defined as genocide in Gaza: • Killing members of a group intentionally; • Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of a group; • Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculat- ed to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 149 UN Human Rights Official Mokhiber: We are seeing a genocide un- folding before our eyes in Gaza Mokhiber, Director of the New York Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, made an assessment and stated that “We are seeing a genocide unfolding before our eyes, and the Organization that we serve appears powerless to stop it. In his letter, Mokhiber wrote that it was his last letter as the Director of the New York Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and he said, “I write at a moment of great anguish for the world, includ- ing for many of our colleagues. Once again, we are seeing a genocide unfolding before our eyes, and the Organization that we serve (the UN) appears powerless to stop it.” 150 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Mokhiber stated that he had been examining the issue of human rights in Palestine since the 1980s and had done a lot of field work in the region when he was the UN Human Rights Advisor in the 1990s, and he empha- sized that this issue was “personal” for him. A Warning on Genocide: “We are failing again” Mokhiber underlined that he also studied the “genocides” against Tut- sis, Bosnian Muslims, Yazidis, and Rohingya Muslims and he said: “In each case, when the dust settled on the horrors that had been perpe- trated against defenseless civilian populations, it became painfully clear that we had failed in our duty to meet the imperatives of prevention of mass atrocities of protection of the vulnerable, and of accountability for perpetrators. And so it has been with successive waves of murder and persecution against the Palestinians throughout the entire life of the UN.” “High Commissioner, we are failing again. “Across the land, Apartheid rules.” Mokhiber pointed out that “the concept of genocide is often subject to political abuse” and continued as follows: “The current wholesale slaughter of the Palestinian people (by Israel), rooted in an ethno-nationalist settler colonial ideology, in continuation of decades of their systematic persecution and purging, based entirely upon their status as Arabs, and coupled with explicit statements of in- tent by leaders in the Israeli government and military, leaves no room for doubt or debate (about the massacre).” Mokhiber stated that “In Gaza, civilian homes, schools, churches, mosques, and medical institutions are wantonly attacked as thousands of civilians are massacred. In the West Bank, including occupied Jerusa- lem, homes are seized and reassigned based entirely on race, and violent settler pogroms are accompanied by Israeli military units.” “Across the lands (Palestine), apartheid rules,” Mokhiber said. “This is a text-book case of genocide” ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 151 Mokhiber also criticized the West’s attitude towards Gaza and made the following evaluations: “This is a text-book case of genocide. The European, ethno-nationalist, settler colonial project in Palestine has entered its final phase, toward the expedited destruction of the last remnants of indigenous Palestinian life in Palestine. What’s more, the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, and much of Europe, are wholly complicit in the horrif- ic assault. Not only are these governments refusing to meet their treaty obligations “to ensure respect” for the Geneva Conventions, but they are in fact actively arming the assault, providing economic and intelligence support, and giving political and diplomatic cover for Israel’s atrocities.” Criticism of Western media In his letter, Mokhiber also criticized the Western media’s attitude to- wards Palestine and stated that the Western media organizations violat- ed the “Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”. Mokhiber criticized “Western corporate media continuously dehuman- izing Palestinians to facilitate the genocide and broadcasting propagan- da for war and advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that con- stitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence.” Stating that US-based social media companies are suppressing the voic- es of human rights defenders while amplifying pro-Israel propaganda, Mokhiber said that the Israel lobby and online trolls are harassing and smearing human rights defenders, and western universities and em- ployers are collaborating with them to punish those who dare to speak out against the atrocities. Mokhiber made a call and said that “in the wake of this genocide, there must be an accounting for these actors as well, just as there was for radio Milles Collines in Rwanda.” Criticizing the system of the United Nations Security Council, Mokhiber asserts that “The protective enforcement power of the Security Council has again been blocked by US intransigence, the SC is under assault for the mildest of protestations, and our human rights mechanisms are un- der sustained slanderous attack by an organized, online impunity net- work.” 152 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “10 Essential Points” proposal to the UN for peace in Palestine Stating that the UN should focus on 10 important points to ensure peace in Palestine, Mokhiber aligned these points as “in addition to determin- ing a clear vision and taking steps within the framework of legitimate actions,” “fighting against apartheid with a state structure that will be established on the basis of human rights, ensuring the return of Pales- tinians to their occupied lands, finding fair mediators other than the Western powers that have lost their credibility, based on facts and jus- tice, disarmament of the region, especially by clearing Israel of nuclear and chemical weapons, and protecting civilians in solidarity.” Mokhiber emphasized “This will take years to achieve, and western powers will fight them every step of the way, so they must work for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the longstanding siege on Gaza. Noting that they must “stand against ethnic cleansing in Gaza, Jerusa- lem, and the West Bank”, Mokhiber emphasized the importance of “doc- umenting the genocidal assault in Gaza.” ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 153 154 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 155 On December 29, 2023, the Republic of South Africa applied to the In- ternational Court of Justice (ICJ) for a temporary injunction against Is- rael for acts committed by Israel in Gaza since October 7, in breach of the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. The application stated that Israel’s acts and omissions are genocidal in character, as they are committed with the requisite specific intent (dolus specialis) to “destroy Palestinians in Gaza.” South Africa’s application file, which contains photographs from the Anadolu Agency (AA) proving Israeli forces’ war crimes in Gaza, states that more than 55,000 Palestinians, predominantly children and wom- en, have been injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The first hearing on the request for an injunction was held on January 11–12, 2024, at the Peace Palace in The Hague. At the hearing, the lawyers for South Africa presented the Court with the grounds and evidence for their claims against Israel. The South African Ambassador to Amster- dam requested the Court to indicate 9 provisional measures against Is- rael. These measures include the immediate cessation of military activi- ties in Gaza, the return of displaced persons to their homes and access to humanitarian assistance, including adequate food, water, fuel, medical and hygiene supplies, shelter and clothing. Having commenced its hear- ing on the temporary injunction requested by South Africa, the Inter- 156 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE national Court of Justice issued a temporary injunction on January 26, 2024, and indicated the following: • The State of Israel shall, in accordance with its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, take all measures within its power to prevent the commis- sion of all acts within the scope of Article II of this Convention; • The State of Israel shall ensure with immediate effect that its mili- tary does not commit any acts within the scope of Article II of this Convention; • The State of Israel shall take all measures within its power to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip; • The State of Israel shall take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and human- itarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip; • The State of Israel shall take effective measures to prevent the de- struction and ensure the preservation of evidence related to allega- tions of acts within the scope of Article II and Article III of the Con- vention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide against members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip; • The State of Israel shall submit a report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to this Order within one month as from the date of this Order. Upon South Africa’s request for additional measures on March 6, 2024, in its additional measures order dated March 28, 2024, the Court ad- judged and declared: • The State of Israel shall take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humani- tarian assistance to the Gaza Strip; • The State of Israel shall not violate the rights of the Palestinians; • The State of Israel shall submit a report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to this Order within one month as from the date of this Order. It is now officially acknowledged that Israel has committed genocide in ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 157 accordance with these rulings of the International Court of Justice; how- ever, Israel keeps refusing to implement these rulings. 2.5. Urbicide The concept of urbicide is the fact that cities are the main targets in ad- dition to the destruction caused by the war and military strategies. Ur- bicide refers to attacks in which the city is the primary target with eth- nic, ideological, and religious motivations. Through urbicide, the city, which is a social, economic, and cultural phenomenon beyond be- ing a geographical location, is being destroyed. In the first classification, the destruction of the physical structure occurs in two different ways. In the first type, symbolic structures are destroyed in order to psychologically wear out a certain group. The other type of destruction is aimed at destroying a specific group. They are attacks dis- guised as collateral damage as part of a wide-ranging plan. Demolishing buildings means destroying the elements that make up urban identity. The urban fabric, which means identities living in har- mony with each other, is destroyed through urbicide. Urbicide is the destruction of social life in addition to the destruction of the built physical environment. The buildings in the city are indicators of pluralism and differences. The demolition of buildings that are reminders of past urban experiences and lifestyles is part of the goal of achieving homogeneity by destroying the basic elements of daily life. In this approach, urbicide practices aim to create homogeneous communities by eliminating the built environ- ment for primary reasons, unlike the accidental consequences of milita- rist attacks and the secondary damage caused by war. Cultural heritage, which expresses all the material and spiritual values filtered through all the details of the lives of people and human commu- nities, is a kind of series of data, in this sense, that man has lived and accumulated throughout all time periods and passed on to his succes- sors. In addition to the destruction of the built environment in order to eliminate the desire to live together, urban memory and the idea of the ideal city, the destruction of individuals’ historical, social and communi- ty identities, that is, the damage to cultural heritage, is urbicide in this context. 158 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict - The Hague, 1954 The first convention published by UNESCO in the context of protec- tion is the “First Protocol of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (1954). In Article16 of Chapter V of the Convention, for the first time, the “Blue Shield” symbol, designated internationally for cultural heritage to be protected during war, was described. Regulations for Implementation and Protocol on Returns were added to the Convention, as well as three advisory texts. The Additional Protocol is a document in which one can be a party to the Convention independently of the Convention. (It is possible to be a party to the Convention without being a party to the Protocol.) The 1954 Hague Convention is, in a sense, the equivalent of the 1949 Geneva Conventions. While the 1949 Conventions focused on protecting human existence by highlighting it, the 1954 Hague Convention aimed to protect the values that emerged from the creative genius of mankind. The Hague-1954 Con- vention, which imposes obligations on the official, civil, and military institutions of the party states, stipulates that these obligations and all structural adaptation studies, including military planning, and the nec- essary measures to be taken by the states to protect the cultural heritage before, during and after the conflict are determined in advance. Another problem regarding the concept of urbicide is its mutual rela- tionship with genocide. Urbicide is a form of genocide. Targeting the city is a way of targeting the people living in the city as part of the genocide. Urbicide is one of the secondary consequences of actions that take place during genocide. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 159 160 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 161 In genocide, the main target is a specific group. As a matter of fact, the -geno and -urban prefixes emphasize the difference of the target object. The aspect of genocide that can be associated with urbicide is the cre- ation of physical conditions that will lead a certain group to ex- tinction during genocide. Urbicide, just like genocide processes, in- cludes ethnic, racial, religious, etc. It includes an element of grudge and conscious attacks arising from the issues. Genocide and urbicide are similar in terms of deliberate actions to create specific violence and at- tacks on ethnic, religious etc. grounds. 162 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The processes of actions that eliminate society’s daily life support are listed as follows: -Deaths in which the majority were resident civilians -The casualties consist of certain civilian groups; women, chil- dren, the elderly, and individuals in the city who are not fighting -Attacks on the internal dynamics of the city, mainly destruction of common living spaces and houses, attacks causing death or injury in houses -Elimination of social networks, such as family and neighbors through destruction -Forced displacement of the resident population through evacua- tions and forcing them to migrate -Destruction of elements that support civil life, i.e. shops, schools, hospitals, entertainment venues, places of worship, etc. (these are the most damaged elements after houses) -Deliberate destruction of identity symbols and structures of cul- tural and historical importance, in addition to urban settlements -Taking advantage of the vulnerability of the city in a way that affects the balance of political power and the indiscriminate de- struction of urban heritage are indicators of the existence of ur- bicide. Despite the differences in the literature, the basic features of the entire urbicide discourse can be listed as follows: -The area subject to destruction is the urban space where human settlements are located, that is, the built environment. -There is extensive, collective and widespread violence in place. -Urban space is marginalized through discourse before it is de- molished. -It is aimed at creating homogeneous structures with spatial con- figuration and control after demolition. -Destruction is pre-planned and deliberate Jenin, Rafah, Balata refugee camps in Ramallah, the historical city of Nablus, Bethlehem, the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza are some exam- ples of urbicide in Palestine. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 163 The reason why the destruction in Palestine is urbicide is that, in addition to deliberate massacres, the destruction of the infra- structure of the city and residential areas is implemented within the framework of a systematic program on religious and ethnic grounds. Thus, it is possible to describe urbicide as post-modern ethnic cleansing. The intentional destruction of living spaces in Palestine has three main objectives: operational, administrative, and punitive. Operationally, the Israeli army deliberately destroys sensitive and mili- tarily strategic areas. Demolitions carried out in order to remove the Pal- estinian people from the region are concentrated in public areas. From an administrative perspective, Israel has subjected the establish- ment of new settlements to strict rules. In this way, the urbanization of Palestine and the construction of new settlement areas become impos- sible. Finally, Israel carries out deliberate and systematic destruction for the purpose of punishment on religious grounds. Israel also continues its reconstruction and construction processes. This includes the establish- ment of the new Jewish settlements in Palestine, the occupation islands, the construction of roads and passages that only Jews can use, and com- pulsory planning practices in rural areas that will separate the Palestin- ian people from their lands. Israel compulsorily evacuates non-Jewish elements from the areas it acquired under temporary occupation and shapes the settlements as it wishes. 37 Palestinian families in East Jerusalem face the threat of forced eviction from their homes by Israel Palestinian families, who were removed from their lands and settled in the Sheikh Jarrah District of occupied East Jerusalem in 1956, are now once again faced with the threat of forced migration from Israel due to lawsuits filed by Jewish settlers. 164 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 165 The demolitions and post-destruction processes are part of a com- prehensive systematic program (urbicide). Demolitions are not limited to urban spaces. Israel declared a 2000-hect- are area in the rural as a special military zone and occupied it. In these regions, barriers have been erected to prevent Palestinians from reach- ing their lands and forbidden zones have been declared. It is possible to describe this situation as spatial structuring through ur- bicide. The primary goal of destroying urban space is to eliminate social memory and create homogeneous regions where constant control will be ensured. In this process, the others are not given the right to live and oppression is realized through destruction, construction and control in urban spaces. The urban area, where the social, economic, political and cultural structure is shaped, becomes the target itself due to the wide- spread and systematic violence carried out under Israeli control. 2.6. Ecocide Heavy losses of life, injuries, forced migration and refugee situations, material losses, damages and other tragedies reflect the real face of the disaster in wars. However, the negative and destructive effects of armed conflicts and wars are not limited to these. 166 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In order to gain a tactical advantage against the enemy in wars, natural environments such as certain hills, plains, waterways and many critical facilities such as dams and oil wells have been considered targets of con- flict. The main criterion in choosing the regions in question is that they are areas that will ensure the destruction or surrender of the enemy as soon as possible and help end the conflicts immediately. The effects of environmental disasters caused by physical, chemi- cal, biological, radioactive and ecological destruction, and dam- age caused by the weapons used and the destroyed military and civilian places can last for many years. Another step towards protecting the environment during armed conflict is the Rome Statute of 1998 and the establishment of the International Criminal Court. It is an important development that the Rome Statute regulates the environment under the title of war crimes. In Article 8(2) (b)(iv), intentionally launching an attack in the knowledge that such attack will cause incidental loss of life or injury to civilians, or damage to civilian objects or widespread, long-term and severe damage to the non-human environment, is considered a war crime. In this way, for the first time, a type of environmental crime was included among interna- tional crimes as a war crime, despite some uncertainties. And individual criminal liability was created for the persons concerned. In connection with the law of armed conflict and humanitarian law, it is necessary to first take into consideration the 1864 Geneva Convention and then the convention adopted at the Hague Conference in 1899. Later, at the Hague Conference in 1907, 12 Protocols regarding the law of war were created. In 1925, the “Geneva Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare “, which is extremely important for the protection of both hu- mans and the environment, was adopted. This regulation was followed by another Geneva Convention in 1929. With the ban on the use of poi- sonous gases and bacteriological weapons under the 1925 Geneva Proto- cols, an important step was taken to indirectly protect the environment and ecological balance. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 167 When we look at Paragraph 3 of Article 35 of Protocol No. I of t 1949 Ge- neva Conventions, we see that there is a regulation stating that “the use of methods or means of warfare that are intended, or may be expected, to cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural envi- ronment is prohibited.” This regulation clearly includes the protection of the natural environment with the definition of “intended to cause wide- spread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment.” The Rome Statute is known as the statute that forms the legal basis for the establishment of an international criminal court at the conference held in Rome under the leadership of the United Nations in 1998. Article 8 of the Statute regulates the heading “War Crimes”. In sub-heading IV of Section B of Paragraph 2 of this Article, it is stated that “Intentionally launching an attack in the knowledge that such attack will cause inci- dental loss of life or injury to civilians or damage to civilian objects or widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment which would be clearly excessive in relation to the concrete and direct overall military advantage anticipated.” Looking at the situation in Palestine, it can be predicted that armed con- flicts there will harm the environment in both the short and long term. It has been seen once again in Palestine that armed conflicts and wars cause permanent and devastating damage to nature, or more accurately, the planet and its ecosystem. The problem should not be perceived or seen as a simple environmental crime or pollution. 168 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 169 Israel uses environmental pollution as a weapon against the peo- ple of Gaza Israel uses environmental pollution as a weapon to make life more dif- ficult for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which has been under blockade for years. The garbage dump, which has taken the shape of a hill adja- cent to pools of untreated sewage water in the Beit Lahya region, poses a serious threat to the health of Palestinians. Date: 16.11.2018 170 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “Environmental and health disasters” may occur in Gaza due to the electricity and fuel crisis Serrac said, “A health and environmental disaster may occur due to the continuation of Israel’s attacks and the inability to supply the electricity and fuel required for the services provided by municipalities, especially water, sewerage and garbage collection.” ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 171 Stating that Israel’s attack is a war crime and a serious violation of inter- national humanitarian law, Serrac called for urgent intervention from the international community to stop attacks against Palestinians and to implement international law that provides for the protection of occu- pied civilians. Serrac pointed out that there is a major water crisis in Gaza because 80 percent of the houses cannot be supplied with water. 172 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Waste water leaking is into the sea in Gaza! An environmental di- saster is on the way Gaza Municipality warned about the environmental disaster that could be caused by drain water leaking into the sea due to the non-functioning of waste water treatment plants in the Gaza Strip. Gaza Municipality made a written statement and stated that drain water continues to leak into the sea from the waste water treatment plants, which were damaged during the Israeli bombardment and became inop- erable due to power outages and the lack of fuel. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 173 174 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israeli attacks increased drought and dehydration: The danger of an environmental disaster in Gaza Abeer Butmeh, Coordinator of the Palestine Environmental Civil Orga- nizations Network, explained that while the people of Gaza are trying to combat the global climate crisis, especially drought and thirst, Israeli attacks have been added to these, and this situation will have serious environmental consequences in the long term. In the study titled “Restructuring the Israel-Palestine Water Committee” prepared by experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2019, it was found that the average annual precipitation in the region will decrease by 10 to 30 percent by 2100, temperatures will in- crease by 3 to 5 degrees, and this will increase the region’s agricultural productivity and food supply, causing price instability and food short- ages. According to the experts who conducted the research, Israel specifical- ly targets power plants, water purification systems and water resources in Gaza. As a result of this, untreated or partially treated sewage water is discharged directly into the Mediterranean, posing serious threats to public health. The study stated that the water need is largely met by mountain and coastal aquifers and the Jordan River Basin, but most of these resourc- es are under Israel’s control. And it is estimated that approximately 80 percent of the Jordan River Basin will dry up in a few decades. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 175 Stating that the latest attacks will have serious environmental effects in the long term, Butmeh said, “We will see these effects on soil, water, marine habitat, air and, most importantly, on human health. Currently, Israel has cut off the water resources in Gaza and Gaza has run out of drinkable water. People depend on salt and water.” How did Palestinians, who still struggle to access enough water, become one of the most water-scarce societies? Eyal Hareuveni, author of a recent report on the water crisis by the Israe- li human rights group B’Tselem, said “the amount of water provided by Israel has not adapted to the needs of the Palestinians, and this situation has not changed since the 1970s.” 176 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Lebanon will make a complaint about Israel to the UN Security Council for using white phosphorus Lebanon announced that they are determined to complain about Israel to the UN Security Council, accusing them of dropping white phospho- rus bombs on the country’s southern border region. In his written statement, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Buhabib said to the Lebanese mission at the United Nations that he had instruct- ed the UN Security Council to submit a complaint to “condemn Israel’s use of white phosphorus in its repeated attacks against Lebanon and its deliberate burning of forests and woodlands in Lebanon.” In an effort to extinguish the fire that broke out in the Sheikh Zein re- gion of southern Lebanon due to the Israeli attack, fire vehicles were dis- patched to the location. Clashes have occurred between the Israeli army, Hezbollah, and Pales- tinian groups in the southern region of Lebanon. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 177 178 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Environmental Disaster Warning Due to Those Found Under De- bris in Gaza The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Gaza warned of an environmental di- saster after more than 1,000 bodies were found under the wreck in the Gaza Strip, which was heavily bombed by Israel. The Ministry made a written statement and declared that “On the tenth day of Israel’s ongoing barbaric attacks against our people in the Gaza Strip, we warn about a humanitarian and environmental disaster due to the funerals of more than 1,000 martyrs buried under the wreck of destroyed houses.” The statement pointed out that those trapped under the wreck would significantly increase the number of deaths recorded by the Ministry of Health, and emphasized that this was a harbinger of an environmental disaster and the spread of epidemic diseases. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 179 Israel, which has killed tens of thousands of innocent civilians and chil- dren during its illegal occupation of Gaza, also ‘occupies’ the region’s resources through natural gas exploration licences granted to multina- tional businesses in areas within Palestine’s maritime borders. 180 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 2.7. Comparing Israel’s Massacre with Other Wars Khojaly Massacre In the massacre that took place in the town of Khojaly in the Na- gorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan on February 26, 1992, Armenian forces murdered many people, without discrimination, men, women and children. The massacre cost the lives of 613 people. In the official records, 63 of those killed were children, 106 were women and 70 were elderly. 487 people escaped with serious injuries. 1275 people were captured by Armenian forces. No news has been received from the 150 people taken captive, 68 of whom were women and 26 of whom were children. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 181 Katliamda 8 aile tamamen yok edilmiştir. 25 çocuk her iki ebeveynini, 130 çocuk ise ebeveynlerinden birini kaybetmiştir. O dönemde çekilen görüntüler ve fotoğraflar, katliamın büyüklüğünü ortaya koymaktadır. Azerbaycan’a göre, Hocalı’da yaşananlar, 1949 Cenevre Sözleşmeleri’nin, Birleşmiş Milletlerin (BM) Soykırım Suçunun Önlenmesi ve Cezalandı- rılması Sözleşmesi, Sivil ve Siyasi Haklar Sözleşmesi, İşkence ve Diğer Zalimane, İnsanlık Dışı veya Onur Kırıcı Muamele veya Cezaya Karşı Sözleşme, Çocuk Hakları Sözleşmesi gibi çok sayıda sözleşmenin ciddi ihlali anlamına gelmektedir. In the Decision of the European Court of Human Rights dated 22 April 2010, what happened in Khojaly is seen as acts equivalent to war crimes or crimes against humanity. To date, the parliaments of 18 countries and the assemblies of 24 states in the USA have adopted resolutions con- demning the events in Khojaly and considering them genocide. The bomb dropped on Hiroshima in World War II World War II ended all over the world on September 2, 1945, after Japan, which lost approximately 150 thousand citizens in two atomic bomb at- tacks by the USA, agreed to surrender. During World War II, the US B-29 type aircraft dropped the bomb called “little boy” on Hiroshima on the morning of August 6, 1945. The uranium-added bomb that destroyed 70 percent of Hiroshima created a temperature of 3 thousand degrees Celsius in its center. The bomb leveled everything in an area within a radius of 1.5 ki- lometers. It caused 80 thousand people at first and approximately 200 thousand people towards the end of 1945 to death. In addition, there were deaths from radiation-related diseases in the years following the attack. 182 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Russia-Ukraine War It has been more than two years since Russia declared war on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, upon the directives of President Vladimir Putin of Russia. According to data released by the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, more than 10,500 civilians were killed and more than 20,000 were injured in Ukraine between the beginning of the war and April 2024. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 183 Srebrenica Genocide In Srebrenica, where the greatest human tragedy in Europe after the Second World War took place, Serbs murdered at least 8,372 Bosnian ci- vilians. 563 children and 60 women were killed in Srebrenica. Tens of thousands of women, children and the elderly were exiled in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While Serbian soldiers put women and children on buses, they separat- ed the men from their families right there. The men, who were separated from their families, were later murdered and buried in different mass graves. Women and children were exiled from their homes where they had lived for years. Israel’s Genocide Attempt Against Palestinians Until January 2024, around 65,000 tonnes of explosives were used by Israel in its bombardment. In this regard, it indicates that Israeli bombs dropped on Gaza exceeded threefold the explosive power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima during the Second World War, which was equiva- lent to 18,000 tonnes of explosives. 184 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE However, Israel’s massacre had and continues to have more severe con- sequences even than the Khojaly Massacre, which went down in history as one of the most brutal massacres in human history. Ravil Gaynutdin, Chairman of the Religious Administration of Muslims in the Russian Federation and the Grand Mufti of Russia, compared Is- rael’s attack on the hospital to the Srebrenica Genocide and made the following statement: “What happened can be compared to the terrible crimes committed against humanity, such as the massacres in Sabra, Shatilla and Srebrenica. This is a real act of genocide against the Pales- tinians.” According to data from April 15, 2024, 33,686 Palestinians, including at least 14,560 children and 9,582 women, were killed during the Israeli at- tacks. 76,309 people were injured during the attacks. In this context, the number of civilians killed by Israel during its intensive attacks on Gaza since October 7, 2023, vastly surpasses the number of civilians killed in the Russian-Ukrainian War, which has been ongoing for more than 2 years. This indicates that the intensity of the attacks was considerably severe. ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 185 The West, reacting to the civilians murdered in Ukraine, is silent about Gaza Western leaders have repeatedly condemned Russia for indiscrim- inately killing civilians in Ukraine and imposed sanctions against it. However, Western countries, especially the USA, have ignored Israel’s massacre of civilians by dropping bombs on the Gaza Strip since Octo- ber 7, 2023. A non-governmental organisation based in the United Kingdom, Save The Children, has reported that the number of children killed in Pales- tine during the three weeks beginning on October 7 exceeded the num- ber of children killed in a year in conflicts around the world in the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. 186 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 187 2.8. Dismantling of Infrastructure in Palestine 188 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 2.9. Hospitals Bombed by Israel Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 189 Al Vefa Hospital 190 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 191 Al Shifa Hospital 192 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Al Ahli Baptist Hospital ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 193 194 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 195 2.10. Educational Institutions Bombed by Israel 196 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 197 198 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 199 2.11. Religious Sites Bombed by Israel and the Obstruction of Freedom of Belief Al Noor Mosque 2014 200 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Al Aqsa Martrys Mosque 2014 ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 201 202 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Al Farooq Mosque 2014 ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 203 204 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 205 Salim Abu Muslim Mosque 2023 206 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Bilal Mosque 2023 ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 207 208 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Sati Martyrs Mosque 2023 Al Amin Muhammed Mosque 2023 ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 209 210 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Ahmed Yasin Mosque 2023 ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 211 Sheik Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque 2023 212 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 213 Ebu Muslim Mosque 2023 Al Abbas Mosque 2023 214 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Al Garbi Mosque 2023 Israeli war planes destroyed Al Gharbi Mosque in the west of Gaza in air strikes ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 215 216 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 217 Prevention of Friday Prayers 2014 218 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 219 2017 220 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 2022 ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 221 2023 222 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 223 224 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 225 2.12. Historical Monuments Bombed by Israel 226 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 227 228 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 2.13. Sites of International Organizations Bombed by Israel ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 229 230 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 231 2.14. Israel’s Attacks on Refugee Camps 232 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 233 234 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 235 2.15. Palestine After Israeli Attacks 236 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 237 238 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 239 240 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 241 242 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 243 244 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 245 246 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 247 248 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE ATTEMPT AGAINST PALESTINIANS THAT STARTED ON OCTOBER 7, 2023 | 249 03 Civilians Killed In Israeli Attacks 252 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 253 Chapter 3 Civilians Killed In Israeli Attacks S ince October 7, Israeli attacks on Gaza have targeted civilian set- tlements, hospitals, schools, mosques, refugee camps, and di- rectly civilians. The Israeli bombardment killed many civilians, including children, women, health workers, members of the press, UN officials, and religious officials. On the one hand, Israel warns civilians to move to the south of Gaza, and on the other hand, it shoots vehicles full of civilians moving south. 33,686 civilians have been killed and 76,000 wounded as a result of Israeli attacks on Gaza as of April 15, 2024. Those who have survived are fighting for their lives. In addition to days of intense bombardment, Israel denies the people of Gaza their right to life by preventing aid from reaching the region to meet basic hu- man needs. Israel has increased the severity of its attacks with the sup- port of the United States and European countries, and it continues to kill people regardless of gender or age. 254 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Infographic : Anadolu Agency CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 255 Concurrent with the Israeli army’s heavy bombardment of the blockad- ed Gaza Strip for over a month, acts of violence and violations against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank have escalated by means of raids, detention operations, and setting up military checkpoints to di- vide cities into separate areas. Since October 7, the Israeli army has mas- sacred 460 Palestinians and imprisoned approximately 8,000 others in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. In addition, Jewish settlers persist in attacking Palestinian citizens. 3.1. Children and Women Killed in Israeli Attacks Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, which is under blockade, claim the lives of four children every hour. During the initial three weeks of hostilities, the worldwide average for the past three years was surpassed in terms of child fatalities. According to World Health Organisation data, 160 chil- dren die in Gaza every day. As of April 15, 2024, 14,560 children have been killed in Israel’s attacks on Gaza. 256 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Infographic : Anadolu Agency CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 257 Women in Gaza are actively engaged in an arduous struggle to protect their families, particularly their children. Around 180 women give birth in the midst of chaos and the terrible pain of disaster every day, accord- ing to data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Fur- thermore, infections are spreading to more than 155,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as their newborns. The cry of a mother forced to flee Gaza with her children, “What did my children do to de- serve this?” reveals the extent of mothers’ suffering in Gaza. The number of women killed by Israel had reached 9,582 as of April 15, 2024. 258 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 259 260 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 261 262 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 263 264 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 265 266 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 267 268 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 269 270 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 271 3.2. Medical Personnel Killed in Israeli Attacks Medical establishments and medical personnel are protected by inter- national law during times of war and conflict. According to the Gene- va Convention, medical establishments must always be protected and never attacked. Medical facilities and equipment must be preserved rather than destroyed, regardless of who uses them. During military op- erations, medical establishments should be marked on a map, and pre- cautions should be taken to protect them. Medical personnel, whether civilian or military, cannot be attacked or harmed. The safety of medical personnel must be ensured. In its attacks on Gaza, Israel, which does not follow international law, targets hospitals, ambulances, and medical personnel. As of April 15, 2024, 485 health professionals had died as a re- sult of Israeli airstrikes. Ala Shamut, who was injured in his arm and leg after being attacked by Israel in the ambulance he was working in Khan Younis on October 7, and many other health workers continued to work despite the difficulties they faced to reach the wounded. 272 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 273 274 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 275 3.3. Press Members Killed in Israeli Attacks As the Israeli bombardment of Gaza continues, the number of press members killed, injured, or missing grows by the day. Israel cuts off pow- er and communication lines, preventing the media from recording and broadcasting the truth. Working as a journalist in Gaza entails working in dangerous conditions and risking death. According to a statement is- sued by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, the homes of the journal- ists were shelled, and dozens of journalists’ relatives were killed. It is claimed that Israel deliberately targeted journalists, including the delib- erate bombing of Al Jazeera employee Wael Dahdouh’s home, killing his wife and two children. Yousef Dawas, a Palestine Chronicle writer, was killed on October 14 in an Israeli raid on his family’s home in Beit Lahia, a town in the northern Gaza Strip. Rushdi Siraj, one of the founders of the Palestinian media company Ain Media, was killed on October 23 in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza. Doaa Sharaf, a journalist for Al Aqsa Radio, was killed along with her son in an Israeli airstrike on her Gaza home on October 26. Among those killed were journalists Saeed Al-Taweel, Mohammed Sobboh, Hisham Alnwajha, Ibrahim Lafi, Mohammad Jarghoun, Mohammad El-Salhi, and Assaad Shamlakh. As of April 15, 2024, 140 journalists have died as a result of Israel’s attacks on Gaza. 276 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Presidency’s Head of Communications of the Republic of Türkiye Prof Fahrettin Altun called on the international community to stand up for the journalists killed in Gaza, saying: “The international communi- ty, press, and media organisations must speak out louder against this shame and humanitarian crisis and react firmly to the killing of press members on duty. In a time when we should be talking about freedom of the press and expression, we are being compelled to bring up the right to life. This alone reveals the scale of the atrocities. It is the responsibil- ity of everyone who believes in democracy and freedoms to protect the rights of press members working in Gaza. We once again remember with respect and mercy the members of the press and civilians who lost their lives and call for an immediate end to these attacks.” Aziz Esmer, an Idlib graffiti artist, expresses his reaction by drawing var- ious graffiti on Idlib’s walls in memory of Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks. CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 277 A memorial service for the journalists killed in the Gaza attacks was held in New York, USA. A group of journalists gathered in Manhattan’s Foley Square to light candles and leave carnations where photographs of their colleagues killed in the attacks were displayed. 278 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 279 280 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 3.4. UN Officials Killed in Israeli Attacks The attacks on Gaza by Israel pose significant security risks for UN of- ficials. According to UN data, as of April 15, 2024, 171 UN officials have been killed in Israeli attacks. This is the most aid workers killed in a con- flict in UN history. CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 281 282 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CIVILIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS | 283 04 Statements By The Palestinian And Israeli Authorities 286 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 287 4.1. Israeli Officials’ Statements Fueling the Conflict Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu October 9, 2023 “What Hamas will go through will be tough and terrible. We’re already in the midst of the campaign and we’ve only just begun. I ask that you stand steadfast because we are going to change the Middle East. CHAPTER 4 Statements by Palestinian and Israeli Authorities 288 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israel Defense Forces (IDF) October 13, 2023 The Israeli army claimed that members of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Bri- gades, the military wing of Hamas, were hiding inside tunnels under- neath houses and inside buildings populated with innocent Gazan civi- lians. “Gaza City is an area of military operations. The IDF calls for the evacuation of all civilians of Gaza City from their homes southwards for their own safety and protection and move to the area south of the Wadi Gaza, as shown on the map. This evacuation is for your own safety.” The press release of the IDF said: “You will be able to return to Gaza City only when another announcement permitting it is made. Civilians of Gaza City, evacuate south for your own safety and the safety of your fa- milies and distance yourself from Hamas terrorists who are using you as human shields.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 289 Israeli Army Spokesperson Daniel Hagari October 19, 2023 Arms Spokesperson Daniel Hagari responded to reporters’ inquiries re- garding the Islamic Jihad group’s rocket capability in light of the attack on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza by stating, “The rocket failed to complete its trajectory, which consequently may have led to more exten- sive devastation as the fuel within ignited at the location of its crash.” The Israeli army spokesperson asserted that Hamas was engaging in a media war and attempting to inflate the death toll, adding that no infor- mation regarding casualties at the hospital was available. 290 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israeli Army Spokesperson Daniel Hagari October 19, 2023 Israeli Army Spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated the following during a press conference broadcast on Israeli state television KAN: “I want ev- eryone to know that there will be no aid entry into Gaza at this stage. The border gates to Gaza remain closed. The decision on this will be made at the administrative level and then implemented. We will make an announcement when it is time for aid entry.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 291 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu October 25, 2023 “We are preparing for a ground incursion. I will not elaborate on when, how or how many. I will also not elaborate on the various calculations we are making.” Netanyahu noted that there were weapons shipments from overseas and they would add more squads in this effort. He said, “We are encouraging civilians to arm themselves with personal weapons for defence. We are doing so in a controlled manner.” Addressing Israelis, Netanyahu claimed that they would realise the prophecy of Isaiah against Hamas, saying, “Now is the time to unite for one goal: to storm forward to victory. With shared forces, with deep faith in the justice of our cause and in the eternity of Israel, we will realise the prophecy of Isaiah 60:18– “ Violence shall no more be heard in your land, desolation nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.” 292 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, Dan Gillerman October 26, 2023 Dan Gillerman, former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations was asked to comment on the UN’s concerns over Israel’s “collective punish- ment” of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip through a blockade and the cut- ting off of fuel. In reply, he said, “I am very puzzled by the constant con- cern that the world is showing for the Palestinian people and is actually showing for these horrible, inhuman animals who have done the worst atrocities that this century has seen.” When the US responded to 9/11, I don’t remember people shedding tears for the Taliban or al-Qaeda. Your country, Britain, joined them and even sent Royal (troops) to fight in Af- ghanistan. When Ukrainians reacted to the Russian invasion, I don’t re- member people worrying about the poor Russian soldiers and whether they had enough food. Everyone suddenly became extremely human- itarian and completely forgot the terrible and unforgivable events that occurred two and a half weeks ago.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 293 Israeli Army Spokesperson Daniel Hagari October 27, 2023 Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari stated that Hamas launched a se- ries of attacks from the Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in the Gaza Strip, and added that hospitals “would lose their protected sta- tus under international law if used for terrorist purposes.” The spokes- person argued that a number of audio recordings and diagrams drawn by the army proved that the hospital was used as a base by Hamas. In reference to the fuel shortage experienced by United Nations aid agen- cies in the Gaza Strip as a result of Israel’s increased blockade, Hagari asserted that Hamas was using the fuel at Shifa Hospital. Hagari told all residents in Gaza City and northern Gaza, including hos- pitals, to leave and move south of Wadi Gaza. 294 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE MP from Israel’s ruling Likud Party, Galit Distel Atbaryan November 2, 2023 Galit Distel Atbaryan, an MP from the ruling Likud Party in Israel, called for ethnic cleansing in the blockaded Gaza Strip. Addressing Israelis, she said, “Do not hate each other. The monsters hate you enough. Hate the enemy. Hate the monsters. Any shred of internal strife is a maddeningly stupid waste of energy. Nvest that energy in one thing: wiping the whole of Gaza off the face of the earth. The monsters from Gaza will either go to the southern fence and try to enter Egyptian territory, or they will die. Gaza must be wiped off the face of the earth.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 295 MP from Israel’s ruling Likud Party, Galit Distel Atbaryan November 3, 2023 MP from Israel’s ruling Likud Party, Galit Distel Atbaryan said that “Gaza should be completely erased from the face of the earth.” 296 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu November 3, 2023 Addressing Israeli soldiers by quoting from the Torah, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used the following quote from the book of Deuteronomy in the Torah, referring to the exodus of the Jews from Egypt: “Remember what Amalek did to you on the road after you came out of Egypt.” “This is a war between the children of light and the chil- dren of darkness. We will not relent in our mission until the light over- comes the darkness. May God protect and deliver our soldiers from all trouble and distress and from all affliction and illness, and send blessing and success to all the work of their hands. May He subdue our enemies under them and crown them with deliverance and victory Goodness will defeat the extreme evil that threatens us and the entire world. With God’s help, together we will win!” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 297 Israel’s far-right Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu November 5, 2023 Israeli far-right Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said that one of the options could be to drop a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip, and that Pal- estinians living in the territory should either “can go to Ireland or des- erts; the monsters in Gaza should find a solution by themselves.” Eliyahu, a member of the coalition government from the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, which is well known for its anti-Palestinian and far-right views, has argued that no humanitarian aid should be allowed into Gaza. When asked whether there is a need to drop a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip, Eliyahu said, “This (dropping a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip) is one of the possibilities.” 298 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Gilad Er- dan November 6, 2023 When asked if a pause in the conflict was being considered, Israel’s Per- manent Representative to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, responded that they were closely monitoring the humanitarian situation in Gaza and that the figures revealed there should not be relied on. Erdan also said, “We do not see a need for a humanitarian pause in con- flicts right now. This pause would only allow Hamas to rearm and re- group and prevent us from achieving our goal of destroying Hamas’s ter- rorist capabilities”. “I’m not saying that the life in Gaza is great. And, obviously, Hamas is the only one that should be held accountable for any situation in Gaza. But there is a standard, due to international humanitarian law. What does it mean, a humanitarian crisis? And I’m saying, again. There is no hu- manitarian crisis, based on international humanitarian law, right now in Gaza.” When asked, “Do Israel and the government want to maintain their cred- ibility by denying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza? Is this the way to go?” He responded that Hamas had been “exploiting” Gaza for years and that, while he acknowledged that the humanitarian situation in Gaza was dire, but Israel was not to blame. STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 299 Israeli Rabbi and Political Leader Meir Mazuz November 10, 2023 Opposing US President Joe Biden’s call for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and arguing that Israel should decline the US request, Israeli rabbi and political leader Mezir Mazuz said, “We must tell Biden this: You are right, if we were dealing with people, we would send hu- manitarian aid to Gaza, but we are dealing with animals. What do we do?” Mazuz further mocked the humanitarian crisis faced by the people of Gaza under the Israeli blockade, saying: “We counted too much on the Arabs to give humanitarian aid. They said they were poor, they had nothing to eat, they needed electricity, they needed food, and they need- ed sweet potatoes. Apparently, they don’t need anything. They simply intend to harm Israel.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu November 27, 2023 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that an extension of the “humanitarian pause” in the conflict was “welcome” in exchange for 10 Israeli hostages released by Hamas for each additional day of the pause. Underscoring that he had told US President Joe Biden that “Israel will resume its campaign in Gaza with full force once a temporary truce comes to an end,” the Israeli Prime Minister enumerated their goals as “destroying Hamas, making sure that Gaza does not return to its previ- ous condition and returning Israeli hostages.” Israel’s Far-Right Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir December 1, 2023 Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the occupation of the Gaza Strip, saying: “We must crush Gaza with all our might, destroy Hamas and return to the Strip.” 300 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu December 5, 2023 In the wake of the attacks on Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Ne- tanyahu declared that they did not desire a Palestinian administration there and said, “There won’t be a Palestinian authority in Gaza after the war; there will be no Palestinian authority in Gaza at all.” Mark Regev, Senior Adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu December 10, 2023 Responding over the footage of the Israeli military detaining dozens of Palestinians, half-naked and handcuffed,which sparked reactions on so- cial media, Mark Regev, Senior Adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Ben- jamin Netanyahu, said, “First of all, remember it’s the Middle East and it is warmer here, and especially during the day when it’s sunny, to be asked to take off your shirt might not be pleasant but it’s not the end of the world.” Ofer Cassif, Member of the Joint List Party in the Israeli Parlia- ment December 15, 2023 Ofer Cassif, MP for the Joint List Party in the Israeli Parliament, on Isra- el’s stance towards journalists and the killing of journalists, said, “They want to hide their crimes. That’s why they are targeting Mustafa and members of the press, especially the international ones. They do not want the world to know what is going on in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, or the attacks on Gaza. Therefore, the Israeli govern- ment is targeting the media as a matter of policy.” Noting that they heard that Israel had killed numerous journalists during the attack on Gaza, Cassif stated, “This is a policy, not an accident. This is a policy, and the world must wake up and stop this insane administra- tion from further committing crimes against Palestinians, journalists or medics. This must be stopped.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 301 David Azoulay, Head of the Metula Settlement Council in North- ern Israel December 18, 2023 David Azoulay, Head of the Metula Settlement Council in Northern Isra- el, called for all Palestinian residents in Gaza to be forcefully transferred to refugee camps in Lebanon, with Gaza to be turned into a museum just like Auschwitz. “We should direct them to the beaches. The navy can transport them to the shores of Lebanon. The Gaza Strip should be emptied and levelled flat, just like in Auschwitz.” “We should leave Gaza desolate and destroyed to serve as a museum, demonstrating the madness of the people who lived there.” “Let it become a museum, showcasing the capabilities of the State of Is- rael and dissuading anyone from living in the Gaza Strip. This is what must be done to give them a visual representation.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog December 26, 2023 Israeli President Isaac Her- zog wrote “We trust you” in Hebrew on an artillery shell to be fired at Gaza. 302 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Eran Etzion, Former Deputy Head of Israel’s National Security Council January 8, 2024 Eran Etzion, former Deputy Head of Israel’s National Security Council, emphasised that Israel is “strategically struck and has no solution,” and said that the government was unable to lead neither the army nor the country to “a situation that is even beginning to get close to victory”. Etzion further accused Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government of avoiding setting strategic goals “for political and personal reasons.” “It was clear from the start that there is a prime minister and a govern- ment that are avoiding setting and achieving strategic political goals for political and personal reasons.” Etzion noted that Israel is now reaching a “crossroad” because of Net- anyahu and his government. Nissim Vaturi, MP for the Likud Party January 10, 2024 Nissim Vaturi, MP for the Likud Party, reiterated his “call to burn Gaza,” claiming that it was better to burn and bring down buildings in the re- gion than for Israeli soldiers to be harmed. “I don’t regret anything I said. It’s better to burn, bring down buildings than for our soldiers to be harmed.” Stating that they had managed to displace 1.9 million people in the north- ern Gaza Strip and 100,000 were left, Vaturi said, “I don’t think there are innocents there now.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 303 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu January 18, 2024 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that they will contin- ue the military offensive on the Gaza Strip until Israel “realises a decisive victory over Hamas.” “I can say something about what they call the day after Netanyahu. This is the day after for most Israeli citizens. For 30 years, I have been very consistent and I am saying something very simple. This conflict is not about the absence of a Palestinian state, but about the existence of the Jewish state.” Netanyahu noted that he rejects the two-state solution accepted by the international community, including the United Nations (UN), and he has relayed this position to the US administration, adding, “The prime min- ister needs to be capable of saying no to our friends.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu January 21, 2024 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that they rejected the prisoner swap proposal by Hamas and said, “We continue the fight on all fronts and in all sectors.” Noting that Hamas is demanding, in exchange for the release of their hostages, the end of the war, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, Netanyahu argued, “Were we to agree to this, our soldiers would have fallen in vain. Were we to agree to this, we would not be able to en- sure the security of our citizens and the next October 7 would be only a question of time.” “We are continuing the war on all fronts and in all sectors. We are not giv- ing immunity to any terrorist: Not in Gaza, not in Lebanon, not in Syria and not anywhere. Whoever tries to harm us, we will harm him.” 304 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israel’s Far-Right Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir January 26, 2024 Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of “antisemitism” for indicating a provisional order in the genocide case filed against his country. “The antisemitic court ruling in the Hague proves what has already been known: This court does not seek justice, but rather the persecution of the Jewish people. They were silent during the Holocaust, and today, they stepped up a level in their hypocrisy,” he said. “We cannot adhere to such dangerous rulings that risk the future exis- tence of the State of Israel, and we must continue destroying the enemy until total victory is achieved.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu February 17, 2024 “Everyone wants an additional deal for a hostage deal. I want one as well. It’s good if we achieve that, but even if we achieve it, we will enter Rafah.” “Israel will fight until we achieve total victory. And indeed, this includes action in Rafah. Whoever wants to prevent us from operating in Rafah is telling us in effect to lose the war. If we do not start a military offensive on Rafah, we will lose the battle. I will not allow this.” Netanyahu maintained that they “will not surrender to international diktat regarding a future arrangement with the Palestinians,” adding, “I made it clear to the Cabinet and I reiterate it to the world. An arrange- ment will be achieved only by direct negotiations between the parties, without pre-conditions.” “Up to this very moment, Hamas’ demands signify only one thing: The defeat of Israel. Clearly, we will not agree to them. But when Hamas drops these delusional demands, we will be able to move forward.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 305 Israel Defence Forces (IDF) February 19, 2024 Since October 7, Israel’s military has conducted over 31,000 airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria. Warning Letter to the War Cabinet from Israeli War Cabinet Member and Former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot February 20, 2024 “After more than four months of fighting, it is appropriate to evaluate the achievements and examine the continued directions. In my opinion, in light of the avoidance of decisive and significant decision-making, there is an increasing difficulty in achieving the goals of the war. The strategic outline of the war has stalled, and in practice, it is threatening to achieve the goals of the war as well as the strategic position of the State of Israel.” “An end to the war that ends the threat from Gaza has not been achieved yet. Strengthening the personal security and national resilience of Israeli citizens has not been achieved either. In practice, no decisive decisions were made in three months. The war is being conducted according to tactical accomplishments, without significant moves to bring strategic results.” Israel’s Extremist Minister of National Missions Orit Strook February 21, 2024 “There is no such thing as a Palestinian people” and that “there will nev- er be a Palestinian state in the land of Israel.” “The majority of the Israeli people are opposed to a Palestinian state not only because it is without historical provenance but also because it pos- es an existential threat to the state of Israel.” 306 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu February 25, 2024 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that a prisoner swap agreement could “delay” an attack on Rafah, a southern city where 1.5 million people have taken refuge from Gaza Strip strikes. Netanyahu stated that they had “destroyed 18 of Hamas’ 24 battalions,” and when the attack on Rafah began, he claimed that “the intensive phase of the attack will be completed in weeks, not months.” Netanyahu indicated that he requested that the army produce a dual plan for the attack on Rafah and the evacuation of civilians there, say- ing, “If we reach a deal (on prisoner swap), the attack on Rafah will be somewhat delayed. But it will happen. If we don’t have a deal, we’ll do it anyway. It has to be done.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 307 Israel’s Far-Right Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir February 29, 2024 Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right Minister of National Security, has voiced his support for Israeli soldiers who opened fire on Palestinians waiting for humanitarian relief in the Gaza Strip, killing 112 people and injuring hundreds, calling them “heroes”: “We must give complete support to our heroic fighters operating in Gaza, who acted excellently against a Gazan mob that tried to harm them.” Ben-Gvir stated, “Today it was proven that the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza is not only madness while our abductees are being held in the Strip under substandard conditions, but also endangers the IDF sol- diers too,” and added that the transfer of aid, which he claimed “is harm to IDF soldiers and oxygen to Hamas,” must be halted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu March 17, 2024 Referring to his meeting with Scholz, Netanyahu said that they had a “very serious, important meeting between friends” and that “We also agreed that Hamas has to be eliminated.” Netanyahu said that if Hamas is allowed to remain in Gaza, it will regroup and reconquer Gaza, and that his German counterpart asked him to do more to protect civilians in Gaza and to allow more humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip for Pal- estinians. “Our goal in eliminating the remaining terrorist battalions in Rafah goes hand in hand with enabling the civilian population to leave Rafah. It’s not something that we will do while keeping the population locked in place. In fact, we’ll do the very opposite. We’ll enable them to leave.” 308 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi March 17, 2024 “We failed on the 7th of October. We did not take responsibility. The re- sponsibility is ours—regarding what happened and what will happen from here and onward.” Halevi pointed out that it will take a long time to ensure the security of the Israeli people and said, “We still have a long way to go until the goals of the war are achieved.” Halevi claimed that the Israeli army killed or captured many Hamas commanders during their offensive in the south- ern Gaza Strip and said, “The IDF is preparing for attacks in additional areas and together with the political echelon, we will decide on the tim- ing and on the right conditions of the strikes.” Gideon Sa’ar, Member of the Emergency Unity Government in Israel March 25, 2024 “The continuation of the war has exacerbated our position on the world political stage.” Regarding his decision to join Netanyahu’s government: “Over time, I un- derstood that perhaps I made a mistake. In recent months, I and Israeli civilians have observed that the trajectory of the conflict has not taken us any closer to our aims.” “By lessening military pressure, we have lost a key source of pressure to achieve a new agreement on hostage release.” Almog Cohen, MP of Israel’s Far-Right Jewish Power Party March 27, 2024 Cohen argued that a ground attack on Rafah, where approximately 1.5 million Palestinians seek refuge, is necessary, stating, “Should we enter Rafah on foot? Should it be while they are fasting, tired, weak? Yes (a ground attack on Rafah should happen).” Cohen said that he could not understand why Israel did not launch a ground attack on Rafah because it was Ramadan and added, “Ramadan STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 309 is the best time to kill them (the Palestinians). They are tired and weak. I do not pity them, I pity my brothers (Israeli hostages). I call on the Prime Minister (Netanyahu) to enter Rafah on foot and kill them.” Former Israeli Chief of Staff Dan Halutz March 27, 2024 Former Israeli Chief of Staff Dan Halutz said that, following the attacks from Gaza on October 7, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had avoid- ed taking responsibility and was leading Israel “from bad to worse”. “He [Netanyahu] is responsible, and I don’t know a country in the world where a prime minister would not climb the tallest tower and jump off of it after something like this. Netanyahu refuses to acknowledge this because in his calendar, there is no 7 October, he has the sixth and the eighth, and on the eighth, the war began and he was fighting. But this man does not fight, he is leading us from bad to worse.” Israel Defence Forces (IDF) April 7, 2024 The Israeli army has announced its withdrawal from Khan Younis, southern Gaza, where it had been conducting a ground battle for nearly four months. 310 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi April 7, 2024 Herzi Halevi, Israel’s Chief of Staff, has declared that the Israeli offensive in Gaza is ongoing and that they are “a long way” from ending it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu April 9, 2024 Regarding Israeli attacks causing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, Ne- tanyahu said that the Israeli offensive on Rafah was vital for the release of hostages in Gaza and “winning over Hamas.” Regarding the ground strike on Rafah, where 1.5 million Palestinians have sought protection from Israeli attacks, he stated, “This will happen, and there is a date.” Nadav Argaman, Former Director of Shin Bet (Shabak), Israel Secu- rity Agency April 13, 2024 “He [Netanyahu] is responsible for a monumental failure. He is respon- sible. There’s no one else…” “If Netanyahu does not leave office — it will be our doom… I think if the State of Israel doesn’t get its act together and fast, we’ll reach some very, very, very bad places.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 311 4.2. Statements by Palestinian Authorities in Response to Israeli Persecution President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine October 7, 2023 “It is imperative to protect the Palestinian people. The people of Palestine have the right of self-defense in the face of ter- rorism by occupying forces and settlements. All necessary means will be provided to enhance the resilience and steadfastness of the Palestinian people in the face of the crimes commit- ted by the Israeli occupation and settlers. President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine October 9, 2023 “We call on the UN to immediately intervene to stop the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip. To prevent a human tragedy on the Gaza Strip,the UN should intervene and carry out its duties recognised by international legitimacy to pro- vide international protection for the Palestinian people. 312 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The only solution to all the escalation taking place in the region is the political solution of ending the Israeli occupation of the land of the State of Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital.” Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh of Palestine October 12, 2023 “We are working with Egypt to open corridors to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza We are also working with the international community to demand an immediate end to the crimes committed by the Israeli army and Jewish settlers against the Palestinian people in Gaza, al-Quds, and other Pales- tinian territories. We urge the United Nations (UN) to take immediate action to halt the at- tacks, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international organisations to restore electricity and water to the Gaza Strip.” Deputy Palestinian Minister of Health in Gaza, Yousef Abu al-Rish October 12, 2023 “All of the beds in Gaza’s hospitals are full, and medicine and medical supplies are running low. Women and children make up 60 percent of the casualties of Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 313 President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine October 13, 2023 We warn of the human tragedy that will result from Israeli aggression and rejecting the displacement of our people from the Gaza Strip, be- cause it will be tantamount to a second Nakba for our people. We warn of a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip as a result of the cessation of all humanitarian services and the stopping of the only power plant there. Israeli settler terrorism against our people in Palestinian cities, villages, and refugee camps in the West Bank needs to stop. Radical Jewish set- tlers incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which are causing the situa- tion to escalate, need to stop too. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health in Gaza, Ashraf al-Qudra October 13, 2023 “Under the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, hospitals are running out of beds, and medicine and fuel are running low. We reiterate our call for immediate medical aid for hospitals in the Gaza Strip from all countries, humanitarian aid groups, and health care facil- ities around the globe. 314 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Palestinian Ministry of Interior October 17, 2023 “Due to the ongoing Israeli offensive, there is a severe water crisis in the Gaza Strip. For the past ten days, the occupation forces have not pumped even a litre of drinking water into any town in the Gaza Strip, forcing the population to rely on unsafe water.” Deputy Palestinian Minister of Health in Gaza, Yousef Abu al-Rish October 18, 2023 (Concerning the Israeli attack on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, killing at least 500 people) It was not the first Israeli attack on Al-Ahli hospital. On Oc- tober 14, Israel carried out two attacks on the hospital. The only place in the world where people are warned by bombs is the Gaza Strip. We call on the countries of the world to stop Israel’s targeting of civil- ians.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 315 President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine October 18, 2023 “Israel was responsible for the attack on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza. This cannot be tolerated or allowed to pass without accountabili- ty. The occupation government has crossed all the red lines. Therefore, we will not allow it to escape accountability and punishment. 316 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Salamah Marouf October 25, 2023 As the Israeli army continues to bombard the Gaza Strip, it also spreads false claims. Israeli Army Spokesperson Avichay Adraee’s claim on social media yesterday that half a million litres of fuel are stored at the Rafah border crossing and that there is no fuel crisis in blockaded Gaza is a lie. Head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Salamah Marouf October 25, 2023 “The Israeli occupation planes bombed the only Al-Maghazi bakery, which had been supplied with flour hours earlier by the United Na- tions Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). 10 people were killed and dozens were injured. The missiles completely destroyed the bakery and left a large hole in its place, in ad- dition to demolishing a number of homes surrounding the centre of Al- Maghazi camp. STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 317 President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine October 25, 2023 “Israel bears responsibility for what is happening in Gaza, and the world nations share this responsibility as well, because they emboldened Isra- el to intensify its aggressive practices against Palestinians. We have repeatedly warned that the destructive policies and practis- es of the occupying Israeli administration, which prefers military and security solutions and seeks to undermine the two-state solution, will continue. We absolutely do not accept the escalation of the security and military solutions that have dragged us to today. This may lead to a war in the region—a regional or global war. The Gaza Strip is part of the occupied territory. We reject any partial or security solutions for Gaza. We are committed to a comprehensive polit- ical solution.” 318 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE October 27, 2023 “The reporting demonstrates that certain Western media organisations are far from adhering to journalistic ethics and professionalism.” We condemn the blind bias shown by Western media outlets regarding the Israel’s narrative. Since the beginning of the Israeli attacks, we have observed dozens of instances where media networks such as the BBC, CNN, ABC News, Fox News, Sky News and CBS have been biased in fa- vour of Israel. These media outlets contribute greatly to the marketing of Israeli claims and lies without evidence or investigation. We condemn this attitude and find it immoral. We call on the people of Arab and Is- lamic countries to boycott these media outlets.” Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh of Palestine October 27, 2023 “The aim of cutting off communication with the Gaza Strip and the In- ternet is to commit massacres against the Palestinian people.” Head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Salama Marouf October 27, 2023 “Israel’s threat against Al-Shifa Hospital is a death sentence, not only for the thousands of sick and wounded people, but also for every sick and STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 319 wounded person and patient who will be targeted by the occupation in the coming days. All the places where Israel has produced fabricated graphics about Al-Shifa Hospital are medical facilities filled with patients, wounded, medical staff, and IDPs. These Israeli allegations are the same brazen threats and lies that the occupiers have been making against the Palestinian people since the be- ginning of the Holocaust.” President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine October 28, 2023 “Our people in the Gaza Strip are facing a war of genocide and massa- cres committed by the Israeli occupation forces in full view of the entire world. How can you remain silent in the face of the killing of more than 3,000 Palestinian children? How can you remain silent in the face of the bomb- ing of hospitals? How can we remain silent in the face of this brutal de- struction and collective punishment of civilians? Gaza, along with East Al-Quds and the West Bank, will remain a funda- mental part of the Palestinian state, a dagger at the throat of the aggres- sors. And Al-Quds will remain our eternal capital, with its sanctities for Muslims and Christians.” 320 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Salama Marouf November 1, 2023 “There is nothing that can justify UNRWA abandoning its responsibili- ties in the north of the city and limiting its work to the south. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed shock at the occu- pation forces’ constant bombing of Gaza and the unprecedented level of destruction. Lazzarini’s statements are an international confirmation that what the occupiers are committing against the people of Gaza is genocide and a crime. The attack on the Jabaliya refugee Camp is one of Israel’s worst mas- sacres. The number of massacres committed by the occupation forces against Palestinian families without regard for the rights of the refugees has grown exponentially and now exceeds 926. Since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war 1.5 years ago, 9,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, 500 of them children, and 15,000 wounded. In 25 days alone, 8,525 were killed in Gaza, 3,542 of them chil- dren, 2,187 women and girls, and 21,543 wounded. There are also 2,000 people missing. The damage caused by Israeli aggression in all areas and sectors of Gaza amounts to 3 billion dollars.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 321 The President of the Palestine Red Crescent Society Dr. Younis Al Khatib November 4, 2023 “The Red Crescent, with its hospitals, emergency aid and ambulance teams, volunteers, and all its organizations, is working to reduce the problems of our people. Unfortunately, the occupying Israel prevents any medical or humanitar- ian aid teams from working freely and safely. We have many causalities. Around 130 paramedics have lost their lives. Four emergency aid work- ers from the Palestinian Red Crescent were killed. We received repeated threats from Israel that the Jerusalem Hospital would be bombed. We were asked to evacuate the hospital. But it is very difficult, even impossible, especially when there are more than 400 wounded and sick people in the hospital, babies in incubators, and pa- tients in intensive care. The Palestinian Red Crescent and the hospital management rejected this threat and will continue to carry out their du- ties.” 322 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Government Press Office in the Gaza Strip November 4, 2023 “So far, 46 journalists have lost their lives in Israel’s attacks on Gaza. Some of these journalists died alongside their families when shelling de- stroyed their homes. Israel deliberately demolishes buildings housing Palestinian media in- stitutions, kills and detains members of the press, and deliberately tar- gets the homes of journalists in order to destroy the Palestinian press that reports on massacres and genocide against the Palestinian people. The crimes committed by the occupiers against Palestinian civilians in general and members of the press in particular reflect the bloody occu- pation and the systematic terrorism against Palestinian journalists.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 323 Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health in Gaza, Ashraf al-Qudra November 5, 2023 “While 70 percent of the casualties of the Israeli attacks were children, women, and the elderly, 2,660 people, including 1270 children, were re- ported missing in the rubble of the destroyed buildings. Israel has been committing genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza for 30 days. Hospitals in Gaza will be rendered inoperable within hours.” 324 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Gaza’s Government Media Office November 5, 2023 “We call on international human rights and media organisations to provide protection for journalists and condemn Israeli attacks that kill and injure journalists. Israel’s attacks on media organisations and their members clearly violated the freedom of thought and expression guar- anteed in all international conventions. These attacks are a desperate attempt to reflect Zionist frustration. Israel is preparing to commit more crimes by silencing Palestinian me- dia outlets and trying to eliminate witnesses.” Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh of Palestine November 6, 2023 “Those who have a strong sense of morality and uphold humanitarian principles must act immediately to put an end to the Israeli assaults that have transformed Gaza into a valley of blood. The International Crimi- nal Court (ICC) should issue arrest warrants against the perpetrators as a precautionary step to stop the killing machine. The situation in Gaza is intolerable. Children are killed by bombs, the wounded cannot be treated, and ambulances are shot on live TV. We call on the United Nations to cancel the celebration of ‘World Chil- dren’s Day’ on November 20 in solidarity with the children of Gaza.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 325 Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila November 6, 2023 “Even under normal conditions, the number of beds in hospitals in Gaza is not sufficient, and the fact that 16 hospitals are out of service and more than 24,000 people have been injured in the attacks has led to a major shortage in the number of beds. Patients are operated on in sterile envi- ronments, hospital corridors, and under the light of a telephone. Field hospitals need to be established in Gaza.” 326 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Salama Marouf November 8, 2023 “The cemeteries in Gaza City and the northern and central parts of the Gaza Strip are full and there is no more room for burials due to the col- lective crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against civilians. There are people trapped in the rubble of buildings destroyed in Israeli attacks. More than 3,000 people have been reported missing. Israeli attacks killed 1021 people travelling from Gaza City and northern areas to the south of the Gaza Strip, which Israel claims is “safe”. Israel also targeted places of worship; 53 preachers were killed, 56 mosques were completely destroyed and 136 mosques were partially de- stroyed. The Israeli army’s attacks caused damage to a total of 237 schools, out of which 60 were rendered inoperable. Additionally, 88 government facili- ties were destroyed, and 48 journalists were killed. Israel has used more than 30,000 tonnes of explosives in its attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, destroying 40,000 houses and damaging 222,000 others. Israel attacked hospitals in Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip and targeted healthcare centres, preventing sick and displaced people from accessing necessary treatment, medicine, water, and food. Dozens of children on life support are in danger due to Israel’s threat to bomb the Ar-Rantisi Hospital, where nearly 3,000 children with cancer are being treated.” We call on the world and international organisations to take action to transfer the wounded to hospitals in Egypt and to allow fuel and medical supplies into Gaza.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 327 President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine November 9, 2023 “Any move by the Israeli occupation forces to divide Gaza into two sec- tions is unacceptable. There is no separate political or security solution for Gaza, as it is an inseparable part of the Palestinian state. A political solution based on international legitimacy is essential for the Palestinian people to achieve freedom, independence and sovereignty.” Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki November 9, 2023 “Israeli far-right Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu’s threat to use a nu- clear bomb against the blockaded Gaza Strip is a threat against all coun- tries. This is considered an official admission that Israel possesses nu- clear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. The occupying power has developed nuclear weapons through illegal means, and refused to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons IAEA and its member states should pay immediate attention to the is- sue.” 328 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President November 11, 2023 “We ask the US and the UNSC to stop Israel’s attacks on Gaza” “Israel and its supporters are fully responsible for the killing and injury of every child, woman and Palestinian.” “We are the rightful owners of Jerusalem and the holy sites. The Pales- tinian flag will remain raised, and the occupation will be brought to an end.” Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister November 13, 2023 “There is no such thing as “temporary” in Palestinian history. History has shown that “temporary” is actually “permanent.” “Netanyahu’s policy will bring them nothing but disaster. The Gaza Strip is part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967. We do not need per- mission from anyone to help our people there.” Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President November 15, 2023 “The lifeless bodies of the children torn to pieces by Israel’s missiles during the attacks, the blood of our men and women whose lives and dreams were taken away by the rockets of the aggressor army will haunt the occupiers and those who support them or remain silent in the face of these war crimes committed against our people in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem.” “Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state and a national responsi- bility we cannot compromise on. Gaza entails the West Bank, as well as Jerusalem.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 329 Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister November 17, 2023 “What is happening in Gaza is mass murder, committed in the spirit of revenge.” “The situation in Gaza is tragic. There is nothing to eat or drink, and the bloodshed continues. We demand compliance with international hu- manitarian law.” Mai al-Kaila, Health Minister of Palestine November 18, 2023 “We call on international institutions to help transfer premature babies and injured children from the Al-Shifa Hospital to the hospitals in the West Bank or Egypt.” Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President November 19, 2023 “I am calling out to Biden, who has a special responsibility due to his international role and his power to influence the Israeli authorities. I call on you, Mr. Biden, on a governmental and humanitarian level, to stop the genocide committed against our innocent people and help our people under siege. Can genocide be justified in the name of self-defense? This is war crime that requires accountability. The acts of killing and destruc- tion committed against our people is beyond human imagination.” Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister November 22, 2023 “Today, Israel occupies approximately 40 percent of the Gaza Strip. Isra- el has always been an occupying state.” 330 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Yahya Al-Sarraj, Mayor of Gaza City November 29, 2023 “The recently-attacked Central Archives of Gaza City contained thou- sands of historical documents. A significant portion of Palestinian his- tory has been erased.” “The occupiers (Israel) aim to leave people in the dark and make Pales- tinian cities uninhabitable by destroying everything beautiful and eras- ing the memory of Palestine. The Rashad Shawa Cultural Center, which includes the theater and the central library, was bombed as well. The oc- cupiers also targeted the Palestinian Legislative Council and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.” Faed Mustafa, Palestine’s Ambassador to Ankara November 30, 2023 “The international community has failed our people once again. Unfor- tunately, certain parties have openly supported the murderers.” “We will stay in our land, and remain committed to our humanity as Ar- abs, Muslims and Christians. We do not need to explain our humanity to those who have lost it.” “In 1947, the international community made a decision regarding the es- tablishment of the Palestinian state on the anniversary of Israel’s found- ing. Palestine will not waive the white flag; it will not forget its betrayers, or its supporters.” Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister December 2, 2023 “If justice is achieved for Palestine, this will be the success of the ICC; otherwise, it will be a failure and a clear indication of double standards and judicial politicization.” “Justice delayed is justice denied. The fact that Israel was not punished in the past has led to the continuation of its acts. The ICC exists for pun- ishment and deterrence, and no one is above the law. However, Israel continues its non-compliance in this regard, as it has been above the law for 75 years.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 331 Mai al-Kaila, Health Minister of Palestine December 3, 2023 “Israel is detaining medical personnel; it does not care about interna- tional law or conventions.” “Occupation forces are intensifying their deliberate attacks on treatment centers and teams in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank with each pass- ing day; they are bombing hospitals, organizing raids, and detaining the injured and the medical personnel. They don’t care about international law or conventions.” Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President December 3, 2023 “We will not surrender or kneel in the face of fait accompli. No matter what happens, no matter what the cost, we will not allow a repeat of the Palestinian Nakba of 1948.” Gaza Government Media Office December 12, 2023 “The Israeli occupation army has detained 6 identified journalists during its war on Gaza in clear violation of all international laws and agreements that grant journalists legal immunity while reporting on the field.” Ashraf al-Qudra, spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry December 14, 2023 “After the massive destruction, the House of Healing is now deprived of both fuel and medical supplies.” “This facility is now providing health care with primitive methods, which is simply insufficient. The facility needs to resume operation in a safe and secure manner to save the lives of the patients and the injured.” 332 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Munir al-Bursh, Director General of the Gaza Health Ministry December 18, 2023 “From the beginning of the blockade, the gate and surroundings of the hospital were bombed, the buildings within the hospital were shot at, the second floor with the gynecology department was bombed, and 5 people died. Ahmed el-Kahlut, Manager of the Kemal Advan Hospital, was detained and taken to an unknown place.” Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President December 24, 2023 “The brutal attacks of the Israeli occupation extended to the Al-Ah- li Baptist Hospital, Orthodox Cultural Center, Greek-Orthodox Church and Holy Family Church, as well as the mosques, schools and hospitals in Gaza, making no distinction between Muslims and Christians.” “The sun of freedom will rise, and an independent state, with East Jeru- salem as its capital, will soon be reality. The heroic efforts of our people in their own land, the river of blood they have shed, their great sacrifices and their hardships will forge the path to freedom and honor.” Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister December 27, 2023 “I ask the countries where Israeli soldiers and Jewish settlers have cit- izenship to demand that their citizens leave the occupied Palestinian territories.” “Israel’s plan for land, peace and a new Middle East without Palestine is void. We are here in our lands; Gaza is integral to the Palestinian state.” Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President December 31, 2023 “Our heroic Palestinians are faced with a massive genocide in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Jerusalem, which aims to transform our na- tional cause into a humanitarian one and repeat the Nakba of 1948.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 333 “We will not allow displacement from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank faced with extensive warfare by the occupation (Israeli) army and set- tlers.” Ishaq Sidr, Palestinian Minister of Communications and Informa- tion Technology January 9, 2024 “The extent of damage to the communication network caused by Israel’s bombing of the Gaza Strip exceeds 70 percent, in addition to the damage to the infrastructure used by these networks.” “There is no safe space left for movement in the Gaza Strip, which is why accurate statistics are not currently available. Communication infra- structure, water and power lines were also destroyed.” Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister January 11, 2024 “Today, Israel is accused in the International Court of Justice, in the In- ternational Criminal Court, in the streets of South Africa, in the streets of London, Paris, Berlin, Washington, Madrid and Brussels. Israel is ac- cused by every free and honorable Arab, every African, and every free person on earth.” “Israel has committed crimes against our people from Deir Yassin to Tantura, Ed-Devayime to Kafr Qasim (1948 borders), and Gaza, and all of these crimes were committed against Palestinians.” Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister January 17, 2024 “The international community must turn words into action, stop Israel’s attacks and genocidal war against our people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem, and impose sanctions on Israel and the settlements that are considered illegal under international law.” 334 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Yahya Al-Sarraj, Mayor of Gaza City January 20, 2024 “During this period of vehicle shortage for the municipality, the Israe- li army deliberately bombed and destroyed more than 90 of the 130 heavy- and medium-sized vehicles working in municipal services. It has become very challenging for the municipality to open these destroyed roads to citizens, ambulances, and rescue and emergency teams.” Riyad al-Maliki, Foreign Minister of Palestine January 22, 2024 “The number of Palestinians killed, injured or trapped under rubble in the past 3 and a half months is in the hundreds, possibly thousands. The situation is spiraling out of control. The health system has collapsed. There is no way for tens of thousands of injured Palestinians to be treat- ed in the Gaza Strip; it is not even possible for them to leave Gaza.” “For every day we hesitate, more of our innocent people, children, wom- en and the elderly are killed. This is unacceptable. Palestinian lives mat- ter, and we cannot accept that the lives of Palestinian children are con- sidered less important than the lives of other children around the world.” Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister January 22, 2024 “There is international consensus regarding the framework of the two- state solution option. We say that the world should observe the attitude of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, which rejects the two-state solution.” “There is international consensus on the establishment of a Palestinian state.” Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President January 23, 2024 “The Gaza Strip is integral to the state of Palestine. Plans of the occupy- ing state (Israel) to partly or wholly separate the Gaza Strip cannot be accepted or addressed.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 335 “We will never give up on the Gaza Strip; its people come first. The peo- ple of the Gaza Strip are the responsibility of the State of Palestine.” Ashraf al-Qudra, spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry January 26, 2024 “The Israeli occupation is committing genocide by bombing the Gaza Strip, starving it and denying it treatment.” “The Israeli occupation is using hunger as a weapon to commit a record number of genocidal crimes.” Riyad al-Maliki, Foreign Minister of Palestine January 26, 2024 “States now have legal obligations to stop and not support the genocidal war launched by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza. The ICJ’s decision is an important reminder that no state is above the law.” “Palestine reiterates its immense gratitude to the people and govern- ment of South Africa for taking this bold step of active solidarity, and states that it will continue to work closely with South Africa and other countries to ensure justice.” Husni Muhenna, Gaza Municipalities Union Coordinator January 27, 2024 “The flooding of the tents due to heavy rain worsened the conditions of those who have been displaced. We are concerned that the Sheikh Rid- van and Abu Rashid ponds in the north of Gaza city, where wastewa- ter leaks from the sewage network destroyed due to Israeli attacks, will overflow with heavy rains, and houses will be flooded with wastewater.” Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President February 1, 2024 “We will not allow the separation of Gaza from the West Bank.” 336 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “Our position is clear; our demands include an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, the ac- celeration of the humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and the prevention of the removal of any Palestinian from their land, regardless of the sacri- fices. We will not allow a repeat of the Palestinian Nakba of 1948, which continues to affect us to this day.” Ashraf al-Qudra, spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry February 8, 2024 “A nurse working in the operating room at the hospital, which is con- stantly targeted by the Israeli occupation forces, was shot in the chest and seriously injured.” “The Nasser Hospital is exposed to serious health threats due to the ac- cumulation of medical and non-medical waste in the hospital depart- ments and courtyard, and the Israeli occupation forces preventing the removal of this waste.” Ahmed al-Deek, Deputy Foreign Minister of Palestine February 13, 2024 “Security must be provided for the people in all parts of the Gaza Strip to return to their homes, even if they have been destroyed. Israel is de- termined to launch a land attack on the city of Rafah. We demand pro- tection for the citizens and the displaced. Israel does not take any pre- cautions to protect civilians, and it is escalating its attacks on Rafah. We observe that the number of the dead and the injured are increasing due to the continued attacks. We have heard several Israeli authorities talk about a plan to provide protection to civilians, but nothing has changed on the ground.” Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President February 14, 2024 “We call on Hamas to promptly finalize the prisoner exchange agree- ment to save the Palestinian people from another disaster that could af- fect Palestinians as much as the Nakba of 1948.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 337 “We must fulfill our responsibility to end this extensive war against Pal- estinians. Everyone is responsible for any obstructions to the agreement by any party. This has become unbearable; it is time for everyone to take responsibility.” Mai al-Kaila, Health Minister of Palestine February 15, 2024 “The Israeli occupation, which caused the death of more than 28,600 Palestinians, injured approximately 69,000 people, left thousands un- der rubble with its brutal attacks, and did not leave a single safe space in the Gaza Strip.” “What the occupation army did at Nasser Hospital is a repeat of the terri- ble crimes they committed across all hospitals in the Gaza Strip, includ- ing the Shifa Hospital.” Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister February 18, 2024 “We are all bearing witness to the suffering of Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank. We urgently need a ceasefire; furthermore, we need international aid to enter Gaza.” “We want to see all the hostages released and an agreement made as soon as possible, since every day with no action means more death, more suf- fering, and more disaster for the people.” “Going from Gaza to Egypt should not be the only way; people should be allowed to return to their homes. We know that this is a plan implement- ed by Israel to get people out of Gaza, so the most important thing for us as the international community is to force the Israelis to allow people to return to their homes.” 338 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President February 19, 2024 “The government of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the occupation army insist on continuing their attacks against various cities in the Gaza Strip, especially in the city of Rafah, with the goal of forcibly deporting citizens. This is unacceptable; for us, for our people, for the whole world.” Mai al-Kaila, Health Minister of Palestine February 19, 2024 “Israel continues its intense attacks on the Nasser Hospital (located in the city of Khan Younis to the south of the Gaza Strip). The failure of the generators due to the attacks is endangering the lives of 6 patients on ventilators in intensive care, and 3 premature babies.” “The attack on the Nasser Hospital fulfills all elements constituting the crime of occupation. Under these challenging conditions at the hospital, three women, one of whom was a doctor, gave birth in a challenging and unsafe environment without any water, food, power or hygiene.” Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister February 19, 2024 “In our talks with the German government, we asked Germany to put serious pressure on Israel to stop the war by using their unique relation- ship. We consider this to be a key issue. Another issue is the entry of international aid to Gaza, because the aid currently entering Gaza fulfills no more than 8 percent of our people’s needs. Germany is a friend of Is- rael, and can play a key role in stopping the war.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 339 Ahmed Majdalani, Minister of Social Development of Palestine February 20, 2024 “Unfortunately, there is no such thing as the international community; there is only the veto of the US, which is usurping the will of the interna- tional community. The US still supports the attack by providing political and diplomatic protection, financial and military aid to Israel, thus side- lining the international community.” “We appreciate the efforts of Türkiye and President Recep Tayyip Er- doğan for their open stance towards Palestinians in international fo- rums and his role in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other organizations.” “This war, along with all its tragedies and challenges, must pave the way for the end of the occupation, and the declaration of a Palestinian state.” Atef Abu Saif, Minister of Culture of Palestine February 22, 2024 “There is unprecedented destruction in Gaza. It is even worse than the acts of war of the most evil nations; worse than the acts of the Mongols in the Siege of Baghdad, or the acts of France and the United Kingdom in Africa.” “They want to say that Palestinians have nothing to do with this region anymore. This is a systematic culture war and part of Israel’s plan to dis- place the Palestinian people and settle on their land.” “Israel, which plans to separate the Palestinians from their identity and history as well as their land, has managed to surpass the barbarity of the Mongols during the Siege of Baghdad in 1258.” Health Ministry of Palestine in Gazza February 22, 2024 “The Israeli occupation forces are withdrawing from the Nasser Hospi- tal, and instead surrounding the hospital.” 340 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “Medical teams managed to bury 13 of the patients who died due to the failure of the generators and oxygen delivery devices within the hospital campus.” “The occupiers are still preventing the repair of water tanks and sewage lines in the hospital and the operation of the generators.” Riyad al-Maliki, Foreign Minister of Palestine February 28, 2024 “Netanyahu wants to prolong the war, he does not want to see a cease- fire. He wants to continue killing Palestinians, women and children. Ne- tanyahu wants to destroy hospitals, schools and shelters. Netanyahu’s hands are stained with the blood of innocent Palestinian children and women. Netanyahu’s goal in this war is to make Gaza uninhabitable; that is why he is destroying everything in Gaza. To do so, he began forcibly displacing Palestinians from the north of Gaza to the center, and from the center to the south.” Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President February 29, 2024 “Netanyahu’s post-war plan is to challenge the international community. The goal of this extremist Israeli government is not only to undermine the chances of achieving peace with a two-state solution, but also to in- tensify campaigns for the ethnic cleansing and displacement of Pales- tinians.” Ashraf al-Qudra, spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry March 3, 2024 “The Israeli occupation has launched a new war against the people of Gaza, and it is a war of starvation. Deaths are increasing, especially among children, and there are many children in intensive care who are at risk of death due to hunger.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 341 “The healthcare system in the north of Gaza is completely insufficient, especially since the Kemal Advan Hospital was put out of service.” Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President March 5, 2024 “We do not accept the deportation of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. Israel is trying to implement this plan with a scorched-earth policy.” “An international peace conference needs to be held and a road map needs to be adopted. We appreciate Türkiye’s role in these efforts.” “We want Palestine to have permanent membership in the United Na- tions, and we want it to happen with the decision of the Security Coun- cil.” “We are grateful for Türkiye’s continued support to the Palestinian cause.” “As a fellow country, Türkiye is fulfilling its historical responsibility to- wards Palestinians to the greatest extent.” Riyad al-Maliki, Foreign Minister of Palestine March 5, 2024 “The occupying Israeli forces used hunger as a tool of war in the disas- ters they imposed against 2.3 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Re- cently, approximately 20 children died in agony due to the hunger im- posed by Israel.” “The genocide committed in Palestine threatens the whole world. If we allow this genocide to continue, Israel and its supporters will be suc- cessful in presenting our world in a different light to future generations. They will prove that violence and barbarism are superior to law and hu- manity.” 342 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Riyad al-Maliki, Foreign Minister of Palestine March 6, 2024 “The draconian veto of the US obstructs the role of the UN Security Council, and enables Israel to commit more murders in Gaza.” “Israel is preparing to implement its plans to forcibly displace the Pal- estinians in Gaza after pushing them to an area close to the Egyptian border by using 70,000 tonnes of explosives bought from supporting countries.” “Israel has destroyed 85 percent of the Gaza Strip right before our eyes, killed children with bombs, subjected them to disease and starved them, and deprived the sick and injured of their right to treatment.” Riyad al-Maliki, Foreign Minister of Palestine March 13, 2024 “Netanyahu is not interested in a ceasefire. On the contrary; he wants to prolong the war as long as possible to stay in power.” Selame Maruf, Head of the Government Media Office in Gaza March 13, 2024 “We can confirm that humanitarian aid efforts in the region are insuffi- cient due to the humanitarian disaster faced by our people. Over 700,000 people in the north of the Gaza Strip are struggling with hunger.” “The ship will take days to reach Gaza, and it is still unknown where and how it will anchor. The ship will also be searched by the Israeli army, so the usefulness of this mechanism is open to debate. Everyone should put pressure on the Israeli occupation to ensure that relief vehicles enter through the Karem Abu Salem and Rafah border crossings or open other border crossings.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 343 Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister March 16, 2024 “There is no state without Gaza, and Gaza cannot be separated from Je- rusalem and the West Bank.” “The attacks on Palestinians require greater efforts, unification of ranks, and continuation of the works in the Arab community and international arena.” “Israeli attacks will only lead to stronger resistance by our people, accel- erated efforts to achieve freedom, independence, the establishment of a free and independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital with the borders of June 4, 1967, and the return of refugees in line with international legitimacy decisions.” 344 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Ahmed al-Deek, Deputy Foreign Minister of Palestine March 21, 2024 “The Israeli government is openly mobilizing Jewish settler militias to commit crimes against Palestinian citizens, occupying Palestinian ter- ritory by displacing, shooting and killing residents, particularly in Bed- ouin areas.” Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President March 23, 2024 “This year, on World Water Day, the Palestinians in Gaza are being sub- jected to the occupation’s most heinous and inhumane crimes the likes of which have never been seen before.” “By destroying the sewage system and overflowing wastewater, Israel has deliberately left Gaza without water and caused an epidemic.” Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister March 25, 2024 “Does it make sense that the port on the Gaza coast is being built with the ruins of collapsed buildings, filled with the remains of martyrs? This is just a port that smells of death.” “Is it not enough that Israel, a killing machine, has executed over 32,000 people, most of whom were children and women? Is it not enough that they have injured over 72,000 people? Is it not enough that over 281,000 houses have been partially or completely destroyed and over 1.6 million people have been displaced?” “Is it reasonable for Washington to use its veto power four times since October 7 to block a resolution calling for a ceasefire? This is illogical and unacceptable. Israel’s protection at the UN must be stopped, be- cause Israel is a rogue state.” Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President March 26, 2024 “The state of Palestine completely rejects the deportation of any Pales- tinian citizen, whether in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, including East STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 345 Jerusalem. Gaza is integral to the Palestinian state. We cannot accept or address the invaders’ plans, such as separating the Gaza Strip from the rest of Palestinian territory, or dividing or reoccupying even an inch of its territory.” Riyad al-Maliki, Foreign Minister of Palestine March 28, 2024 “The internal discussions across many European countries regarding the recognition of the state of Palestine ‘in a way that guarantees and preserves the two-state solution and provides the opportunity for a po- litical solution to the conflict’ is a step in the right direction for an urgent decision to recognize Palestine.” Mohammed Abidin, Member of the Palestine Industrial Federa- tion Board of Directors April 6, 2024 “In addition to the occupation, all goods imported to Palestine go through Israeli ports due to the Palestinian administration’s lack of con- trol over ports and airports. These ports also collect customs duty for a certain percentage of the goods imported on behalf of the Palestinian administration.” “With the instability in the Red Sea, Türkiye has quickly offered a solu- tion for Palestine and an important alternative to many materials and products imported from China.” “Palestine also relies heavily on Turkish fertilizers and pesticides.” Rashad Yousef, Director of the Policy and Statistics Department of the Ministry of Economy of Palestine April 9, 2024 “Excluding Israel, Türkiye takes the lead in exports to Palestinian mar- kets.” “The rate of increase in trade volume is perfectly clear. In 2022, the trade 346 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE volume between the two countries (Palestine-Türkiye) surpassed $900 million. Trade volume increased by 12 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, and increased by 32 percent in 2021 compared to 2020. This shows the growth of imports (from Türkiye to Palestine).” “Türkiye is a country with various industries that meet the needs of the Palestinian market. However, Israel’s restrictions and financial agree- ments restrict the establishment of a commercial partnership between Palestine and Türkiye.” Omar Awadallah, Deputy Foreign Minister of Palestine April 9, 2024 “Today, the Court heard the allegations made by Nicaragua against Ger- many and other states that send weapons and military aid to Israel. We believe that the Court will do the right thing by taking action against the states that provide Israel with the weapons used in their genocidal assault and other crimes against Palestinians, and will take temporary measures to cut off military aid and arms supplies to Israel.” “Germany must stop sending weapons to Israel and must not be com- plicit in the genocide and other human rights violations committed against Palestinians.” Gaza Government Media Office April 10, 2024 “The Israeli occupation army continues its attacks, genocidal assault and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people during Eid al-Fitr.” “With its martyrs and injured, Gaza welcomed the Eid al-Fitr with great sadness and pain. The occupation forces continue to target homes and civilian institutions. Responsibility for the genocide committed by the occupation forces belongs to the US administration and President Joe Biden, who continues to support the occupation with weapons and am- munition.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 347 Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza April 10, 2024 “After the withdrawal of the occupying Israeli forces, the Civil Defense Unit continued its efforts to remove the martyrs’ bodies from Shifa Hos- pital and its surroundings and the city of Khan Younis in collaboration with the authorized state institutions and international organizations. Since the withdrawal of the occupation forces from both regions, the bodies of 409 martyrs have been recovered, and efforts are still ongoing.” Gaza Government Media Office April 13, 2024 “The Israeli occupation army has revealed that it continues its genocidal war by deliberately targeting 3 Palestinian journalists on the job during their ongoing attacks to the Nuseirat Refugee Camp.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Palestine April 14, 2024 “The provocations of radical settlers have increased significantly. The organized terror of Jewish settlers under the protection of the Israeli army has reached unprecedented levels. The settler militias also receive political support from Tel Aviv.” Mohammad Shtayyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister April 15, 2024 “While the Israeli occupation army continues its attacks on our people in the Gaza Strip, the villages and towns of the West Bank are also sub- jected to attacks by settlers under the protection of the occupation army. The lives and property of Palestinian citizens in the West Bank are being attacked, and they also face restrictions in their daily lives.” “Palestinians in Gaza are being killed by the attacks, and they are de- prived of basic human rights such as healthcare.” 348 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 4.3. Statements by Hamas Officials in Response to Israeli Persecu- tion Muhammad Deif, Leader of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas October 7, 2023 “We have decided to put an end to the Israeli violations and begin an operation against Israel called al-Aqsa Flood.” Head of Hamas Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh October 7, 2023 “In these historical moments, we are engaged in a heroic epic for the sake of Al-Aqsa Mosque, our sanctities, and our prisoners. The Zionist aggression reached its peak during the past days as thou- sands of settlers desecrated the Al-Aqsa, We have information that this step was taken to establish sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque. In addition to the ongoing Jewish settlements and attacks in the West Bank, Israel, which keeps Gaza under blockade, plans to launch a sud- den raid on Gaza and escalate attacks against the people of the region.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 349 Head of Hamas Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh October 18, 2023 “The US holds responsibility for the attack on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospi- tal in Gaza. The hospital massacre will mark a new turning point. The Israeli bombing is a massacre that confirms the brutality of this en- emy and the extent of the resounding defeat it suffered in the face of the resistance. This massacre has taken its place in the series of massacres committed by the Zionists since the occupation of Palestine. This is their nature. They commit massacres. Israel does not respect values, customs, and laws. The enemy is respon- sible for this massacre. They struck a hospital, a mosque, and a church in the same area. Those who gave unlimited cover to this enemy to commit these massacres bear responsibility for it too.” Abu Ubaidah, Spokesperson of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas October 20, 2023 “In response to Qatar’s efforts, we released two US prisoners (mother and daughter) on humanitarian grounds. This is to prove to the American people and the world that the claims made by US President Joe Biden and his fascist administration are false and baseless.” 350 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Khaled Meshaal, Hamas’ Foreign Chief October 24, 2023 “There is still a possibility for peace negotiations with Israel. If... there is a ceasefire, we come to the big question: what was the root cause of what happened, and we will say it’s the occupation,” So Israel should with- draw from all occupied lands and we will have a window of opportunity.” Hamas October 27, 2023 “The escalating bombardment of settlements by land, sea, and air, cou- pled with the disruption of communications and the internet in the Gaza Strip, indicate that Israel intends to carry out additional massacres covertly, away from the eyes of the international community and the me- dia. We call on the UN and Arab and Islamic countries to intervene urgently to stop Israel’s madness of bombing and destroying the health system, as well as its aggression against our people and its crimes that shame humanity.” Yahya Sinwar, Hamas chief in Gaza October 28, 2023 “The Resistance (Hamas) is ready to conduct an immediate prisoner ex- change deal that includes the release of all Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in exchange for all prisoners held by the Palestinian resis- tance.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 351 Hamas October 28, 2023 “Israel’s statements that Hamas is using the Al-Shifa Hospital for mil- itary purposes are baseless allegations, which we strongly reject and warn that they pave the way for the targeting of the hospital.” Abu Ubaidah, Spokesperson of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas October 30, 2023 “We have informed the mediators that we will release the foreigners we are holding in the next few days. We don’t need to keep them in Gaza.” The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the Military Wing of Hamas November 1, 2023 “7 civilian prisoners of war, including 3 foreign passport holders, were killed in the Israeli attack on the Jabalia Refugee Camp (where a large number of civilians are present in the blockaded Gaza Strip).” 352 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Hamas November 6, 2023 “US President Joe Biden and his administration are responsible for the massacres committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip. Following its US-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting the Osama bin Zaid School in Saftawi in northern Gaza, Israel today targeted the Al-Fahura School, which shelters thousands of displaced Palestin- ians in the Jabaliya Refugee Camp in northern Gaza.” Head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Salamah Marouf November 6, 2023 “The Israeli occupation forces bombed the Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque in al-Ketibeh area, west of Gaza City. After 3 mosques were hit yesterday, 55 mosques were completely de- stroyed, and 112 mosques were damaged in various ways during Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 353 Moussa Abu Marzouk, Head of Hamas International Relations Of- fice November 7, 2023 “We did not kill civilians; we will release the hostages, but first the fight- ing must stop.” “If the Israelis stop fighting, we can hand the hostages over to the Red Cross.” (BBC) Hamas Spokesman Abdul-Latif al-Qanou November 8, 2023 “Governing Gaza or part of our territory is a private matter for our peo- ple, for Palestine, and no force on the ground will succeed in changing this reality or imposing its will.” 354 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Basem Naim, a Hamas leader November 8, 2023 “More than 90 percent of blockaded Gaza lacks clean drinking water. Palestinians consume contaminated or salty water. The Palestinian peo- ple who consume contaminated water or are forced to use seawater are vulnerable to diseases and epidemics. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and its administrators, strictly complying with the demands of the occupying forces, bear responsibility for the human- itarian crisis in Gaza, particularly in the northern area. UNRWA, which is responsible for protecting more than 70 percent of Gaza, has given up its responsibility to hundreds of thousands of refugees, depriving them of basic needs such as water, food, medicine, and shelter. It is disgrace- ful that an entire community’s water supply can be cut off and used as blackmail to force people to leave their homes.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 355 Hamas November 10, 2023 “It is a disgrace to mankind that Israel targets people heading south. We condemn the targeting of Palestinians from the north, who have been subjected to violent Israeli attacks on Salah al-Din Street as they fled to the southern areas and the shelling of the Al-Burak School which is home to refugees. There are more than 50 martyrs in these massacres. The ongoing perpe- tration of crimes by the occupier in full view of the global community is a stain on the international community and the principles of humanity.” 356 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Hamas November 18, 2023 “Acting President of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Bahr, who was wounded in an Israeli attack on the parliament building in Gaza, has died.” Hamas November 22, 2023 “For every 50 Israeli prisoners we release, 150 Palestinian prisoners will be released, there will be a 4-day ceasefire, and hundreds of trucks car- rying humanitarian aid will enter Gaza. After a long process of negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt, a tem- porary ceasefire agreement was reached with Israel.” According to the agreement, 150 Palestinians in Israeli prisons would be released in exchange for 50 Israeli prisoners, including women and chil- dren under the age of 19, from both sides. STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 357 Head of Hamas Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh November 24, 2023 “As long as Israel abides by it, the resistance forces will abide by the agreement on a humanitarian pause in hostilities.” Hamas November 29, 2023 “Come to the Gaza Strip to see the extent of the destruction. We call on international journalists and media outlets to intensify their presence in the Gaza Strip to see the extent of the destruction and the indicators of genocide perpetrated by the occupying army and the Nazi army against children, defenseless civilians and all infrastructure. The discovery of the bodies of dozens of Palestinian civilians under the rubble in the Sabra area and other parts of Gaza City, and the extent of the destruction of the Islamic University, one of the most important sci- entific institutions, confirm the terror suffered by the people of Gaza. All of these actions are intended to purposefully demolish all facilities and infrastructure in Gaza, forcing the population to migrate.” 358 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Hamas December 1, 2023 Hamas condemned the invitation extended to Israeli President Isaac Herzog to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the Unit- ed Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change, hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “Coinciding with the Climate Summit in the UAE, Israel resumed its attacks on civilian settlements, health facilities, schools, mosques and churches in the Gaza Strip.” Hamas December 3, 2023 “Britain’s intention to carry out surveillance flights over the Gaza Strip makes it an accomplice to the Zionist occupation in its crimes, and re- sponsible for the massacres which our Palestinian people are experienc- ing.” Hamas December 6, 2023 “We strongly condemn US President Biden’s adoption of baseless Zionist allegations, an attempt to accuse our heroic resistance fighters of sexual violence and rape during the Aqsa Flood attacks on October 7. The repetition of this blatant lie is a Zionist attempt to cover up the war crime, genocide and ethnic cleansing committed by the Israeli occupy- ing army against our people with US weapons.” Hamas December 24, 2023 “We appreciate the position of the Christians of our honourable national Palestinian people who limit their celebrations this year. We appreciate the position of the Christians of our honourable national Palestinian people who stand united with our people in the Gaza Strip, which is subjected to brutal Zionist aggression.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 359 Hamas December 26, 2023 “(Israeli) occupying army soldiers detained dozens of Palestinian civil- ians in Gaza and photographed them after taking off their clothes in cold weather, this is a war crime.” Osama Al-Hamdan, Member of Hamas Political Bureau December 29, 2023 “Hamas and the Palestinians don’t need anyone’s tutelage, and they don’t accept it. We have received initiative proposals (on prisoner exchange) from our brothers who act as mediators, such as Qatar and Egypt, but our stance remains clear and unwavering - a complete cessation of hostilities. The root of the problem is Israel’s attacks on Gaza. The prisoner exchange is a consequence of this problem. It is not appropriate to go into further detail without first addressing the root of the issue, and the attacks on our people must cease. Everyone knows that we want a prisoner swap, it’s not a secret. But this process requires negotiation and agreement. It is not while the enemy is still attacking.” Hamas December 30, 2023 “Most of the 325 historical and cultural heritage sites in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed in the Israeli offensive since October 7. Israel is car- rying out a comprehensive attack against the Palestinian people, their land and their historical monuments.” 360 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Museum of the Pasha Palace in Gaza, destroyed by Israeli aggression Head of Hamas Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh January 2, 2024 “We are open to the formation of a national unity government to run the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. We have reaffirmed that we are open to all national components to re- build our national reference under the umbrella of the Palestine Liber- ation Organization democratically, in addition to agreeing to a national government for the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.” Head of Hamas Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh January 3, 2024 “Israel bears responsibility for repercussions of Aruri assassination. The responsibility for the repercussions of the killing of Aruri, as well as Hamas leaders and staff members lies with the occupying Zionist state (Israel). They will never succeed in undermining the resistance and de- termination of our people. The killing of Aruri on Lebanese territories is an act of terrorism and a vi- olation of Lebanese sovereignty. It is an expansion of hostilities against our people and territories.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 361 Hamas January 5, 2024 “Measures must be taken to prevent Israel from committing the crime of ethnic cleansing and to hold its leaders accountable for their ongoing crimes against people, territories and holy sites. We call on the United Nations (UN) and international human rights or- ganisations to ‘prevent Israel’s forced expulsion of hundreds of Palestin- ians from occupied East Jerusalem’.” Hamas January 10, 2024 “The US is underestimating international law with its position on the prosecution of Israel. The US position on South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel at the Interna- tional Court of Justice (ICJ) underestimates international law.” 362 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Hamas January 17, 2024 “Germany’s plan to send tank ammunition to Israel means complicity in the war. Germany appears to be repeating its history of wrongdoing against hu- manity, despite all of the lessons learned from the recent past. We thus declare that no one who took part in the attack against our people or shielded this murderous enemy who broke every taboo will ever be for- gotten or forgiven by our people.” Osama Al-Hamdan, Member of Hamas Political Bureau January 17, 2024 “The Nazis (Israel) continue their systematic warfare of hunger and thirst against more than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip by preventing the entry of food and fuel. More than 800,000 Palestinians are facing severe hunger. More than 7,000 people, 70 per cent of them women and children, are missing under the rubble. Civil defence and rescue teams have been un- able to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble due to random Israeli air strikes and a lack of fuel.” Hamas January 31, 2024 “Thirty handcuffed and blindfolded bodies were found inside a school previously blockaded by Israeli forces in Beit Lahiye, in the northern Gaza Strip. We urge human rights organisations to document this horrific crime in order to prosecute this army of crime and its Nazi leaders who continue to murder and exterminate Palestinians while ignoring the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decisions to end the crime of genocide and ethnic cleansing.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 363 Osama Al-Hamdan, Member of Hamas Political Bureau February 5, 2024 “Above all, we insist on a full ceasefire, which is critical to us. That means a complete withdrawal (of Israeli troops) from Gaza and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza. Israel, on the other hand, persistently opposes these clauses.” Osama Al-Hamdan, Member of Hamas Political Bureau February 7, 2024 “Hamas presented its ceasefire proposal, demanding the delivery of aid and relief supplies, an end to barbaric attacks on defenceless civilians, especially children, women and the elderly, safe shelter for the displaced, reconstruction, the lifting of the blockade on Gaza and a full prisoner ex- change.” Hamas February 10, 2024 “The United Nations (UN) and human rights organisations must docu- ment the death of the Palestinian child Hind Rajab, 6, by Israeli bullets.” Hamas February 14, 2024 “The wounded, medical teams, and refugees are facing a humanitarian catastrophe in Nasser Hospital, which is besieged by Israel and aid entry is blocked.” 364 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Hamas February 27, 2024 “The Biden administration is totally responsible for the killing of US Air Force pilot Aaron Bushnell as a result of its policy of backing the Zionist entity (Israel) in its genocidal war against the Palestinians.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 365 Hamas March 1, 2024 “Israel is spreading ‘deception and misleading information’ about the 112 persons killed and hundreds injured when it opened fire on Palestin- ians waiting for humanitarian relief at the Nablusi Junction in northern Gaza. The Zionist army is spreading deceit and lies about the horrendous mas- sacre it has committed by fabricating a trifling story to justify the sys- tematic slaughter of our people.” 366 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Hamas March 1, 2024 “The deaths of nearly 13 children in Gaza and other northern cities as a result of malnutrition and starvation are a disgraceful stain on human- ity.” Thousands of pairs of children’s shoes left on Dam Square for Palestinian children Hamas March 3, 2024 “In the city of Deir al-Balah, the Israeli army’s targeting of aid convoys, most recently a charity aid vehicle from Kuwait, demonstrates its per- sistance in genocide and ethnic cleansing.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 367 Hamas March 6, 2024 “The occupying Zionist authorities’ announcement to approve the con- struction of some 3,500 new settlement units on our territories south of the occupied city of Jerusalem is a confirmation of the Zionist plan to control our lands, oppress our people, and isolate them with Jewish set- tlements in order to prevent the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.” Hamas March 7, 2024 “The Israeli media’s revelation that 27 Palestinians held in Gaza were tortured, ill-treated, and denied their basic rights demonstrates the grav- ity of the crimes, violations, and cruelty that Palestinians face in Israeli occupation prisons.” Hamas March 18, 2024 “The occupier is trying to prevent journalists from reporting the truth about the crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing against our people.” Head of Hamas Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh March 26, 2024 “The UNSC resolution is proof that the Zionist regime is facing isolation. The draft resolution adopted yesterday by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) demanding an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ra- madan has demonstrated Israel’s isolation in the international arena.” 368 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Hamas April 1, 2024 “Bodies buried alive with their hands tied were found in and around Shi- fa Hospital.” Hamas April 2, 2024 “Banning Al Jazeera is a revenge decision to cover up the truth. This vindictive decision is the culmination of the fascist occupation’s re- strictions, blockades and terrorist moves against journalists and their profession, as well as the crimes and violations committed against them.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 369 Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri April 9, 2024 “We appreciate Türkiye’s diplomatic and humanitarian support for Gaza. Officially, the Turkish government’s diplomatic and aid efforts have been excellent and we appreciate that. We also call for further support because we are confronting a Western coalition that is targeting Gaza.” Head of Hamas Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh April 10, 2024 “My children sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque. I thank Allah for the martyrdom of my children. My children stayed in Gaza and did not leave Gaza. All of our people are paying a heavy price in the form of their children’s blood. I am one of them.” 370 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE April 15, 2024 “No deal until Gaza is freed from occupation and the displaced can re- turn freely.” According to Hamas, there are more than 9,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, including 3,660 administrative detainees, 56 journalists, at least 80 women and over 200 children. Hamas April 17, 2024 Hamas released a written statement shortly after President Recep Tayy- ip Erdoğan’s speech at the AK Party Parliamentary Group Meeting. “We are proud of President Erdoğan’s words. We applaud and are proud of brotherly Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s approach to the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom and the liberation of their land. We appreciate and are proud of his words: ‘Hamas is what Kuva-i Milliye (National Forces active during the Turk- ish War of Independence between 1918 - 1921) was in Türkiye during the National Struggle.’ President Erdoğan’s courageous statements and honourable attitudes reflect the historical and unique position of the brotherly Turkish peo- ple. These declarations will be ingrained in the minds of our people as a symbol of their valour in standing firm against the people in the Gaza Strip and in their endeavour to advocate for their right of to reclaim their territory, and establish an autonomous state there with Jerusalem as its capital.” STATEMENTS BY THE PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI AUTHORITIES | 371 05 The International Community’s Approach to Israel-Palestine Issue 374 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 375 5.1. Steps Taken by the United Nations to Resolve the Israeli-Pales- tinian Issue O n October 7, 2023, the world’s attention was directed towards Gaza due to the massacre attacks that began on October 7, 2023 and increased day by day. The emergence of a security threat that surpasses national boundaries and the loss of numerous innocent civilian lives have mobilised the international community. The anguish and outrage over this human tragedy peaked on October 17, 2023, when the 15-member UN Security Council voted on a draft resolution on the Is- raeli-Palestinian conflict that Russia had submitted. The rejection of the call for a ceasefire led to an even stronger reaction from the international community. On October 28, 2023, at the 10th Emergency Special Session of the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, a draft resolution on the atrocities in Gaza, titled “Protection of Civilians and Upholding Legal and Humanitarian Obligations,” was adopted with broad support. Chapter 5 The International Community’s Approach to Israel-Palestine Issue 376 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE At the Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly on Palestine, where Israel, the United States, Fiji, Guatemala, the Marshall Islands, Mi- cronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga, Austria, Hungary, Czechia and Croatia voted against, Canada demanded an amendment of “condemnation of terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7” to the draft resolution. The amendment has not been adopted by member states. The resolution, put forward by Jordan and co-sponsored by nearly 50 countries, including Türkiye, has been adopted with 120 votes in favour, 45 “abstentions,” and 14 “against.” The resolution emphasises that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, interna- tional humanitarian law and international human rights law. It also con- demns the attacks and stresses the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians held captive, as well as demanding their humane treat- ment. Noting the serious humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the resolution calls for immediate, full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, with a particular focus on the impact on the civilian population, including children. It was also noted that about 500 trucks per day would cross into Gaza, but in recent days, an average of only 12 trucks per day have been able to go in, despite needs being far greater than they were at any time before. THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 377 The resolution calls for an urgent mechanism to protect the Palestinian civilian population in accordance with international law and UN reso- lutions and underlines the need to prevent the conflict from spreading to the region. Furthermore, it is underscored that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be resolved peacefully and on the basis of a two-state solution in accordance with international law and UN resolutions. With this resolution, the United Nations General Assembly, a politically influ- ential body, conveyed a resolute stance towards Israel and the interna- tional community regarding the atrocities in Gaza. On November 15, 2023, the UN Security Council adopted the draft reso- lution calling for an “urgent and sustainable cessation” of hostilities in Gaza. In response to the escalating humanitarian assistance situation in the region, on December 22, 2023, the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding “urgent steps” to immediately allow safe, unhin- dered, and expanded humanitarian access in Gaza. On March 25, 2024, the non-permanent members of the 15-member UN Security Council, including Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mo- zambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Switzerland, voted on and adopted the draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan leading to a permanent, sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, which marked the first explicit call for a cease- fire by the Security Council since the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, unequivocally denounced all attacks against civilians and civilian ob- jects, violence and hostilities against civilians and acts of terrorism. States with a sense of responsibility for history and humanity have held extensive consultations in order to put an end to this atrocity as quickly as possible in light of the unprecedented tragedy that the Palestinian people have been experiencing since October 7, 2023. Accordingly, the UN Human Rights Council voted on the draft resolution titled “The Hu- man Rights Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Including East Jerusalem and the Obligation to Ensure Accountability and Justice” at its 55th regular session on April 5, 2024. The draft resolution submit- ted by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and co-sponsored by Türkiye was adopted by a vote of 28 to 6 in the 47-member council. 13 countries abstained from voting. The United States, Argentina, Bulgar- ia, Germany, Malawi and Paraguay voted against the resolution, while France, India and Japan abstained. The draft resolution demanded Is- 378 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE rael, “the occupying power,” to immediately cease its occupation of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, and emphasised that any endeavour to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be based on international humanitarian law, international human rights law and pertinent UN resolutions. Furthermore, the draft resolu- tion condemned Israel for using starvation as a tactic of warfare against civilians in Gaza and called upon all countries to halt the sale and trans- fer of arms, ammunition and other military equipment to Israel in order to enforce international humanitarian law and prevent human rights vi- olations. In the application filed by South Africa in response to the humanitarian situation described as a disaster, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decided on the request and held that “the State of Israel shall immedi- ately suspend its military operations in and against Gaza.” The Court ordered Israel to refrain from any act of killing, attack, and destruction in relation to the inhabitants of Gaza and take all measures to prevent genocide. The provisional measures were indicated by 15 votes to 2. Furthermore, while the Court ruled by 15 votes to 2 that Israel shall not commit genocidal acts, the provisional measure requiring the State of Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent and punish the incitement to commit genocide was accepted by 16 votes to 1. By 16 votes in favour, the Court also ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to facilitate the provision of urgently required basic services and humanitarian relief in response to Palestinians’ harsh living condi- tions in Gaza. Furthermore, it was held that Israel shall submit a report to the Court within one month detailing the measures it would take to implement the provisional order. THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 379 5.2. UN Secretary-General’s Remarks Criticising Israeli Atrocities In the face of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza since Oc- tober, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has under- lined the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and expressed the urgent and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid at every opportunity through a variety of communication channels. António Guterres, who repeatedly reiterates his call for the United Na- tions to be allowed access to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians trapped and helpless in the Gaza Strip, has mainly included the following issues in his statements: • Appealing to the international community to mobilise immediate humanitarian support. • Call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. • Speaking out against dehumanising language and hate speech of all kinds. • Preventing conflicts. • Hundreds of Palestinian civilians killed in attacks on health facilities in Gaza. • Protection of schools, hospitals and medical personnel under inter- national humanitarian law. • Children, women, journalists, and United Nations staff who have lost their lives in Israeli attacks. • Humanitarian aid waiting at Rafah Border Crossing. • Calling on member nations to help UNRWA continue its life-saving efforts. • The fact that the inhabitants of Gaza are unlikely to survive on char- ity alone and that commercial products must be replenished. • Flagrant violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. • The destruction caused by the attacks, as well as the number of civil- ian casualties. 380 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE • The lives of humanitarian relief workers being in jeopardy. • The UN Security Council speaking with one voice for Gaza. • Implementation of the UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. In addition to his social media posts, Guterres also drew attention to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and reiterated his call for de-escalation and emergency assistance in his speeches at the events he attended and in press releases issued by the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General. On October 9, 2023, the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secre- tary-General issued a press release stating that António Guterres was deeply alarmed by reports of over 500 Palestinians -including women and children- killed in Gaza and over 3,000 injured. Underscoring that these numbers are rising by the minute as Israeli operations continue, it was emphasised that civilians must be respected and protected at all times. The press release also quoted the Secretary-General of the Unit- ed Nations as stating that civilian infrastructure must never be a target, that they already have reports of Israeli missiles striking health facilities inside Gaza, as well as multi-storied residential towers and a mosque, and that two UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Pal- estine Refugees in the Near East) schools sheltering displaced families in Gaza were also hit. THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 381 In a press release issued by the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Sec- retary-General on October 15, 2023, the United Nations Secretary-Gener- al stated that Gaza is running out of water, electricity, and other essential supplies and that the United Nations has stocks available of food, water, non-food items, medical supplies, and fuel, located in Egypt, Jordan, the West Bank, and Israel. Emphasising that these goods can be dispatched within hours, Guterres underlined that to ensure delivery, the selfless staff on the ground, along with non-governmental organisation part- ners, need to be able to bring these supplies into and throughout Gaza safely and without impediment to deliver to those in need. On October 21, 2023, the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secre- tary-General announced that António Guterres had called for unhin- dered and sustained humanitarian access in Gaza, full respect for inter- national humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, as well as a concerted effort by the international community to avoid a wider region- al spillover of the conflict. During the high-level session of the United Nations Security Council on Israel-Palestine on October 24, 2023, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted that the situation in the Middle East is grow- ing more dire “by the hour” and warned that “war in Gaza is raging and risks spiralling throughout the region,” drawing attention to the growing international security threat. Stating that Israel’s collective punishment method is unacceptable and emphasising that “even war has rules,” the UN Secretary-General also made the following remarks regarding Pales- tine: “The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation. They have seen their land steadily devoured by settlements and plagued by violence. Their economy has been stifled, their people have been displaced, and their homes have been demolished. Their hopes for a political solution to their plight have been vanishing.” 382 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In a press briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secre- tary-General on October 27, 2023, Guterres stated that the humanitarian system in Gaza is facing a total collapse with unimaginable consequenc- es for more than 2 million civilians and that as the bombing intensifies, needs are growing ever more critical and colossal. The United Nations Secretary-General made the following historical remarks regarding the human tragedy in Gaza: “Misery is growing by the minute. Without a fundamental change, the people of Gaza will face an unprecedented avalanche of human suffer- ing. Everyone must assume their responsibilities. This is a moment of truth. History is judging us all.” THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 383 A statement made by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secre- tary-General on October 28, 2023, expressed Guterres’ shock at the un- precedented escalation of the bombardments and their devastating im- pacts, undermining the referred humanitarian objectives and his con- cern about the UN staff who are in Gaza to deliver humanitarian assis- tance. The UN Secretary-General remarked in a statement issued by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on October 31, 2023, “I re- main deeply concerned about the risk of a dangerous escalation beyond Gaza and urge all leaders to exercise utmost restraint to avoid a wider conflagration.’’ 384 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In a statement issued by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secre- tary-General on November 3, 2023, António Guterres noted that he was horrified by the reported attack in Gaza on an ambulance convoy out- side Al Shifa hospital, and the images were harrowing. Stating that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is horrific, Guterres noted that not near- ly enough food, water, and medicine were coming in to meet people’s needs. Reporting that there was not enough fuel to run hospitals and water treatment plants, Guterres said that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) shelters were nearly four times full and under bombardment, and that respiratory illnesses and other diseases were on the rise, particularly in children, traumatising an entire population. Gu- terres reiterated in the statement that essential supplies and services and unimpeded humanitarian access must be safely allowed into and across Gaza at a scale commensurate with this dramatic situation. In the announcement of the Office of the United Nations Spokesperson dated November 7, 2023, the UN Secretary-General expressed concern about the killing of civilians in Gaza and humanitarian disaster that con- tinues to inflict incomprehensible suffering on civilians and reiterated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. As a guest at the ‘’Reuters NEXT’’ event on November 8, 2023, Guterres stated, “Every year, the highest number of killings of children by any of the actors in all the conflicts that we witness is the maximum in the hun- dreds. We have in a few days in Gaza thousands and thousands of chil- dren killed, which means there is also something clearly wrong with the way military operations are being done.’’ Guterres stated that a steady flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza is of absolute importance, adding that only 630 trucks had been permitted to enter in the previous eigh- teen days compared with 500 trucks daily before, which was too little and too late. Additionally, he stated that 92 UN employees had been killed, rendering it impossible to provide a secure environment for staff. During his daily press conference on December 6, 2023, the UN Spokes- person for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, shared Guterres’ letter regarding Gaza with the UN Security Council. Secretary-General Guterres cited Article 99 of the UN Charter in his letter, stating that more than eight weeks of hostilities had created appalling human suffering. The letter emphasised the threat to international peace and security THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 385 posed by Israel’s actions in Gaza, saying: “I urge the members of the Se- curity Council to press to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. I reiterate my appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared. This is urgent.’’ Thus, Article 99 of the United Nations Charter was cited for the first time under Guterres. Guterres stated at the high-level meeting of the UN Security Council on Palestine on January 24, 2024, that the past 100 days have been heart- breaking and catastrophic for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, emphasis- ing that the humanitarian situation is appalling. “The entire population of Gaza is enduring destruction at a scale and speed without parallel in recent history. Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Pal- estinian people,” Guterres said during the session, emphasising the im- portance of unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza and highlighting the fact that with winter bearing down, 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza face inhumane, squalid conditions struggling to simply make it through another day. At the 2024 Inaugural Meeting of the United Nations Com- mittee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian Peo- ple, which was held on January 31, 2024, Guterres also repeated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, emphasising that the death, destruction, displacement, hunger, loss, and grief in Gaza over the past 120 days are a scar “on our shared humanity and conscience”. During a press conference in New York in February, Guterres empha- sised the significance of achieving a humanitarian ceasefire in Rafah before the tragedy that occurred in Khan Younis and other parts of Gaza also unfolded in Rafah. On February 8, 2024, when speaking at the UN General Assembly on his priorities for 2024, Guterres warned of Isra- el’s preparations to attack Rafah, warning that “Such an action would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare with untold regional consequences.” Guterres attended the European Council Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on March 21, 2024, and addressed the press at the meeting’s beginning. Guterres called attention to the civilian casualties in Gaza, where Israel continued its attacks, and voiced his condemnation at witnessing such an unparalleled and unprecedented level of civilian deaths during his tenure as Secretary-General. Guterres’ speech, which addressed the leaders of EU countries, was characterised by the following statement: 386 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ‘’The basic principle of international humanitarian law is the protection of civilians. We must uphold these principles (of protection of civilians) in Ukraine and Gaza without double standards.’’ In March, Guterres met with civil society organisations as part of the UN Commission on the Status of Women activities, emphasising that the people of Gaza are living in one waking nightmare and that targeting civilians and failing to protect civilians are violations of international humanitarian law. Guterres emphasised the disproportionate impact of wars on women during his remarks at the 68th Session of the UN Com- mission on the Status of Women at the UN General Assembly. The UN Secretary-General stated that Ramadan is a time of compassion, reflec- tion and understanding, adding, “I am appalled and outraged that con- flict is continuing in Gaza during this holy month. Families seeking shel- ter from Israeli bombardment are struggling to survive, as hunger and malnutrition take hold. This is heartbreaking and utterly unacceptable.” An Israeli attack on Deir el-Balah in Gaza killed employees of the inter- national aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK) in early April. Following this development, Guterres declared at the UN General As- sembly session on “Human Security” that we are living in an era of in- creased uncertainty and turmoil. Guterres delivered the following key statements, emphasising that nothing can justify the collective punish- ment of the Palestinian people in Gaza: ‘’When I hear the words “human security,” I think about the two million humans in Gaza who have no security at all, desperately seeking protec- tion from hunger, disease, and relentless Israeli bombardment.’’ THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 387 5.3. International Organisations’ Overt Support for Palestine As one of the greatest challenges of our time, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, continues to deepen daily, international organisations, most no- tably the United Nations, have condemned the massive devastation in Gaza and called for the protection of civilians’ right to life. In a joint statement released in October 2023, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (LAS) and the African Union Commission (AUC) called for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and a concerted international effort to provide basic assistance and urgent humanitarian aid to 2.2 million Palestinians. Both organisations stated that they were gravely concerned about the Israeli order for over a mil- lion Palestinians to leave their homes, which they found to be against international law. The statement also stressed that an Israeli invasion would undoubtedly entail a huge number of civilian casualties, includ- ing women and children, which could lead to a genocide of unprecedent- ed proportions. In light of the increasingly worsening humanitarian cri- sis in Gaza, with no access to drinking water or electricity and the near collapse of the medical sector, both the General Secretariat of LAS and the AU Commission stressed the urgent need to open a humanitarian corridor. Both organisations emphasised that ultimately, a political solu- 388 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE tion based on the two-state vision is the only way to guarantee peace and security for all peoples and states in the region. On November 11, 2023, the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit was held to address the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. The joint statement issued after the summit in Riyadh emphasised the impossibility of achieving regional peace by bypassing the Palestinian issue or attempting to ignore the rights of the Palestinian people and that THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 389 the Arab Peace Initiative, supported by the Organisation of Islamic Co- operation, is an essential term of reference. In this regard, Israel’s aggres- sion against the Gaza Strip, its war crimes against the Palestinian people in the West Bank and the displacement of about one and a half million Palestinians from the north of Gaza to the south were condemned. The statement reaffirmed the need to mobilise international partners to re- construct Gaza as soon as a ceasefire is reached and requested the Pros- ecutor of the International Criminal Court to complete the investigation into the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel against the Palestinian people in all the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Al-Quds. The first of two final statements issued after the joint summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Na- tions (ASEAN) in Riyadh in October condemned all attacks against ci- vilians and called for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. 390 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 391 On November 21, 2023, an “Extraordinary Joint Meeting on the Situa- tion in the Middle East” was held to address the situation in Gaza, with the participation of BRICS leaders and leaders of the invited BRICS members. The final statement of the BRICS Summit highlighted that the forced displacement of the people of Gaza outside the territory and their transfer to other countries is a violation of the Geneva Convention and condemned any kind of individual or mass forcible transfer and depor- tation of Palestinians from their own land. The attacks on civilians in Gaza, which have become increasingly vi- olent every day, have primarily affected children. “Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, describing the situation in the region. Likewise, the United Nations Chil- dren’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for unrestricted humanitarian access to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid using a variety of commu- nication channels. The call stressed how urgently Gaza’s children need assistance, stating that children and families in Gaza have been cut off from water, food, fuel, medicine, and other essentials, including safe ac- cess to hospitals, following escalating hostilities. Afterwards, in light of the statements made by UNICEF, different dangers and risks for chil- dren have surfaced in the humanitarian drama, which has gradually es- calated its severity. UNICEF placed a number of concerns on the agenda, including malnutrition, the risk of disease resulting from the interrup- tion of childhood vaccinations, and disruptions in the education system. UNICEF pointed out that children do not start wars, and they cannot end them, but they always pay the heaviest price and reiterated the need for a ceasefire at every opportunity in its posts regarding the region. 392 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 393 In an announcement released by the Organisation of Islamic Coopera- tion (OIC), the racist remarks made by Israel’s Minister of Heritage, Am- ichai Eliyahu, calling for the dropping of a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip were condemned and described as extremist and hate speech, an incitement to violence and organised terrorism, and genocide perpetrat- ed on a daily basis by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian peo- ple, in clear violation of international law, instruments, and resolutions. The OIC strongly denounced the ongoing Israeli massacre and war crimes in a statement to the international community, in particular the most recent carnage in the Jabalia Camp by the Israeli occupation forc- es that claimed hundreds of Palestinian civilian lives. It also underlined that Israeli attacks have resulted in the deliberate destruction of build- ings, hospitals, schools, places of worship and United Nations facilities. These attacks also led to the loss of thousands of lives and the injury of innocent civilians, including women, children, medical personnel and journalists. The flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and international law in this regard were pointed out. At the same time, the Secretary-General renewed his call for urgent intervention to force Israel, the occupying power, to stop its brutal aggression against the Pal- estinian people immediately and to oblige it to respect and implement international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. 394 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In November, the organisation strongly condemned the attack on the Al-Shifa medical complex by the Israeli occupation forces and the de- liberate disruption of essential services like electricity, fuel, and food, particularly in Gaza’s hospitals. It was underlined that this collective punishment and genocide against civilians in Gaza constitutes a war crime under international humanitarian law, and the call for the delivery of humanitarian aid was reiterated. The statements issued in December were in reaction to the targeting of health and humanitarian aid workers, media workers and United Nations staff, mostly women and children, throughout the Gaza Strip. They also condemned the Israeli occupation, which continues to deprive the Palestinian civilian population of food, medicine, water, medical care, protection and other basic services. The January statement addressing the suspension of new funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNR- WA) stated that the implementation of this action would be a collective punishment that would further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli attack on aid trucks in southern Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of Palestinian citizens waiting for aid trucks, was described as a massacre in an OIC declaration on February 29, 2024. The OIC urged the international community to intervene immediately in its declaration to halt the Israeli genocide and provide humanitarian assis- tance to the region. THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 395 The adoption of a resolution by the Security Council urging an immediate cessation of hostilities in this region during the holy month of Ramadan, where attacks have been ongoing for nearly six months and have caused significant devastation, was reportedly well received. This advance was described in an April OIC declaration as a significant step towards the international community assuming its responsibility to bring an end to Israel’s crime of aggression against the Palestinian people. Following the attacks by Israeli soldiers and illegal Jewish settlers on Palestinians in different parts of the occupied West Bank, the OIC issued a written state- ment on 15 April 2024, condemning the terrorist and systematic attacks on Palestinians by illegal Jewish settlers under the protection of Israeli soldiers. Additionally, the declaration called for Israelis to be prosecut- ed for all their atrocities against the Palestinian people, their homeland, and their holy sites. Furthermore, the OIC’s website and social media platforms disseminat- ed weekly reports detailing the atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians, shedding light on the devastation and human tragedy in- flicted by the Israeli regime. 396 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The World Health Organisation (WHO) condemned Israel’s destruction in Gaza—where medical aid has been restricted and innocent civilians were massacred in attacks on healthcare facilities—saying, “The tar- geting of hospitals and restricting the delivery of essential aid such as medical supplies, fuel, and water may amount to violations of interna- tional humanitarian law. WHO reiterates its call for an immediate cease- fire, emphasising the urgent need to protect all health workers, patients, health transport, and health facilities.” Furthermore, as the number of fatalities and injuries in Gaza increased as a result of the attacks becoming more intense, the region’s restrict- ed access to infrastructure, healthcare, and aid was mentioned in the posts, highlighting the rising concern over infectious diseases. During this period, WHO called for urgent and accelerated access to humanitar- ian assistance, including fuel, water, food and medical supplies, to and throughout the Gaza Strip. The following aspects were highlighted in the statements issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) regard- ing the ongoing attacks that have been occurring for the past six months: The majority of casualties in Gaza consist of females and minors. It was reiterated that UNRWA’s financial support should not be suspended. The inhabitants of Gaza lack access to basic needs, including shelter, food, and clean water. Many people are at risk of catching jaundice. Hospitals THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 397 are rendered unusable by Israel. The arrival of aid in Gaza is delayed and insufficient. The epidemic, hunger, the killing of women and children, and the demand for the protection of all civilians, humanitarian workers and healthcare professionals in Gaza were among the issues highlight- ed and a call for an immediate ceasefire was made. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization, additionally urged Israel to permit uninterrupted, secure, and dignified passage for humanitarian missions to Gaza. At the conclusion of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which Japan hosted in 2023 as part of its rotating presidency, Minister of Foreign Af- fairs of Japan Yoko Kamikawa stated that the G7 nations had decided to call for a “humanitarian pause in hostilities” in order to allow aid to reach Gaza. Additionally, Kamikawa noted that the G7 was in agreement that “immediate action is required to address the humanitarian crisis” in the Gaza Strip. The primary concerns emphasized in the joint statement issued by the G7 Foreign Ministers, who convened for the first time in February 2024 during the Italian presidency of the Munich Security Conference, were the “urgent action” demanded in response to the catastrophic humani- tarian crisis in Gaza and the 1.5 million civilians seeking refuge in Rafah. In the joint statement, Israel was warned not to launch a major ground attack on Rafah; a civilian refuge in southern Gaza. 398 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) called for an immediate cease- fire to protect civilians and to provide immediate and unhindered hu- manitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip in the Astana declaration of the 10th Summit of the Heads of State of the OTS, held in Astana on No- vember 3, 2023. Highlighting grave concern at the latest escalation of vi- olence, while condemning all attacks targeting civilians, the declaration called on “all Parties for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and their objects, as well as immediate, unhindered humanitarian assistance throughout the Gaza Strip; The Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza were condemned by the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) via a social me- dia post. The head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Jagan Chapagain, stated that he was “deeply con- cerned” over the severity of the situation near Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City. “I am deeply concerned about the gravity of the situation near Al- Quds Hospital. As a result, our Palestine Red Crescent Society (RCS) teams are unable to provide ambulance services,” stated Chapagain, and THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 399 he called on all parties to protect hospitals as they are places of help and refuge. The ICRC has reported that Gaza is at risk of a complete suspension of medical services. A written statement regarding the situation of health- care system in Gaza, which is attacked and blockaded by Israel, stated that “Gaza is on the verge of a total shutdown of medical services unless immediate measures are implemented to safeguard healthcare services.” 400 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 5.4. Social Reactions to Israeli Atrocities Despite calls for a ceasefire by numerous international organizations, including the United Nations, Israel’s illicit attacks have instigated an unparalleled humanitarian crisis ever since they commenced on Octo- ber 7, 2023. There has been a global social response against Israel’s oc- cupation and massacres, with many considering them to be unlawful and in violation of international humanitarian law due to the resulting consequences. Thousands of individuals from various cities across the globe engaged in solidarity marches and protests to denounce Israel’s barbarism and call for an end to the loss of civilian lives in Palestine. THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S APPROACH TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE | 401 06 Reflections of Israeli Brutality in the National And International Media REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 405 GERMANY UN SECRETARY-GENERAL: INTERNATIONAL LAW IS BEING OPENLY VIOLATED IN GAZA Publisher : DPA Date : 24 Oct 2023 Country : Germany Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary Guterres sharply criticized Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas massacre. “Protecting civilians does not mean ordering the evacuation of more than a million people to the south, where there is no shelter, food, water, medicine or fuel, and then continuing to bomb the south,” Guterres said at a UN Security Council meeting in New York on Tuesday. “I am deeply concerned by the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza. No party to the con- flict is above international humanitarian law.” He added. Guterres again strongly condemned the Islamist Hamas attacks on Israel, saying there was no justification for them. Chapter 6 Reflections of Israeli Brutality in the National And International Media 6.1. World Leaders’ Open Support to Palestine 2024 406 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE GERMANY HARSH CRITICISM FROM SPAIN AND BELGIUM ANGERED THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT Publisher : DPA Date : 24 Nov 2023 Country : Germany Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary The Prime Ministers of Spain and Belgium, Pedro Sanchez and Alexan- der De Croo, strongly criticized Israel’s military action in the Gaza Strip during a joint visit to Egypt. “The indiscriminate killing of civilians, including thousands of girls and boys, is absolutely unacceptable,” Sanchez told a press conference at the Rafah border crossing on Friday. The criticism sparked outrage from the Israeli government. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu strongly con- demned the statements of the two Europeans on the X platform (former- ly Twitter). Sanchez also said that “the time has come for the international commu- nity, especially the EU, to unequivocally recognize the state of Palestine.” If the EU does not recognize it, Spain will “make its own decision”, the Socialist politician said. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 407 GERMANY UN RELIEF AGENCY CALLS FOR SAFE ACCESS TO HUMANITARIAN AID IN GAZA Publisher : DPA Date : 29 Dec. 2023 Country : Germany Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is calling for unhindered and safe access to hu- manitarian aid, given the catastrophic situation facing civilians in the Gaza Strip. “The delivery of urgently needed relief supplies continues to be limited in quantity and hampered by logistical obstacles,” UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini wrote in a statement on Friday. Ongoing fighting, bombings, a breakdown in law and order, disruptions to cell phone and internet connections, and long waiting times at border crossings have made it extremely difficult to deliver humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. Lazzarini called on Israel and the other warring parties to “Ensure that humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip meet the great needs for fuel, food, medicine, water and hygiene products.” The war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel’s history, carried out by Hamas and other terrorist groups in Israel on October 7. Israel responded with massive air strikes and began a ground offensive in late October. 408 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE GERMANY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER: SIGNS OF WAR CRIMES IN GAZA WAR Publisher : DPA Date : 2 January 2024 Country : Germany Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Full Text The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, sees signs of war crimes and possibly also crimes against humanity in the Gaza war. On the Palestinian side, he cites the serious terrorist attack on Is- rael on October 7 and 8, the indiscriminate firing of bullets at Israel and the military action from civilian facilities. Regarding Israel, Turk told the German Press Agency in Geneva: “If you look at how Israel reacted, I have serious concerns about compliance with both human rights and international humanitarian law.” In the heavy Israeli bombardments, 70 percent of those affected were women and minors. “It can be assumed that the majority of those who have been hit are civilians,” the Austrian commissioner told DPA. “Fur- thermore, collectively punishing the Palestinians is a war crime. Of course, courts must ultimately judge who has committed which crimes.” Turk added that it is difficult to determine whether crimes against hu- manity have been committed in the region, and in this sense, for example, large-scale or systematic attacks against the civilian population must be taken into account. “In order to prosecute this, it is also necessary to in- vestigate whether there is a corresponding intention behind it,” Volker Turk said. According to Turk, there are indications that crimes against humanity may have been committed and the UN Commissioner added: “The disproportionate and very heavy bombardments, coupled with the lack of effective humanitarian assistance, raise serious concerns that need to be investigated further.” REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 409 GERMANY JORDAN’S KING: “CATASTROPHIC EFFECTS” OF THE ATTACKS IN GAZA Publisher : DPA Date : 7 January 2024 Country : Germany Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Full Text At a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Jordan’s King Abdullah II warned of the “catastrophic consequences” of Israel’s at- tacks in the Gaza Strip. According to the royal court, Abdullah II told at the meeting on Sunday that the “tragic humanitarian crisis” must be brought to an end. The USA must work towards an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians and the appropriate delivery of aid. He said there would be no stability in the region without a just solution to the Palestinian question. A forced expulsion of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip would be a clear violation of international law, he added. Jordan is one of several stops on the US Secretary of State’s trip to the Middle East, which is dominated by the Gaza war. On Sunday, he will travel to Qatar, where talks with Prime Minister Mohammed bin Ab- dulrahman Al Thani and the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, were on his agenda. 410 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE BAHRAIN THE KING OF BAHRAIN ORDERS URGENT AID TO THE BROTHERLY PEOPLE OF PHILISTINE Publisher : Bahrain News Agency (BNA) Date : 10 Oct 2023 Country : Bahreyn Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Ful Text Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has ordered urgent aid to be sent to the Palestinians due to their difficult situation. This aid will be provided through the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refu- gees (UNRWA). REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 411 FRANCE A UNITED NATIONS RAPPORTEUR ACCUSES ISRAEL OF COMMITTING MULTIPLE “ACTS OF GENOCIDE” IN GAZA Publisher : AFP Date : 25 March 2024 Country : France Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary The United Nations special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories said in a report released on Monday that “there are reasonable grounds” to believe that Israel has committed many “acts of genocide”, including “ethnic cleansing”. “The nature and overwhelming scale of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, and the devastating living conditions it has caused, reveal an intention to physically destroy Palestinians as a group,” Francesca Albanese said in her report, which is expected to be presented to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday. The report, entitled “Anatomy of a Genocide,” concludes that “there are reasonable grounds to believe that the threshold has been reached” indi- cating that “acts of genocide have been committed against Palestinians in Gaza.” Albanese lists three acts of genocide in the report’s conclusion: “the killing of members of the group, grave harm to the physical and mental integrity of members of the group, and the deliberate exposure of the group to living conditions that would lead to its physical partial or total destruction.” This is three of the five acts of genocide listed in Convention on the Pre- vention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The Israeli Mission to the United Nations in Geneva “rejected the report in its entirety” and said in a statement that it was part of “a campaign aimed at undermining the establishment of the Jewish state”. 412 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “Israel’s war is against Hamas, not against Palestinian civilians,” it added. “The manner in which civilians evacuated to the south (of Gaza) died, coupled with statements by some senior Israeli officials declaring their intention to force Palestinians out of Gaza and replace them with Israeli settlers, leads to the conclusion that evacuation orders and safe zones are being used as genocidal tools to carry out ethnic cleansing,” Alba- nese said in her report. “The acts of genocide were approved and implemented following geno- cidal intent statements by senior military and government officials,” the report charged. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 413 FRANCE “THE RIGHT OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE TO BUILD THEIR OWN STATE MUST BE RECOGNIZED BY ALL”, URGES GUTERRES Publisher : AFP Date : 20 January 2024 Country : France Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Non-Aligned Move- ment summit in Uganda on Saturday that “the right of the Palestinian people to build their own state must be recognized by all” and that any “denial” was “unacceptable”. “The refusal to accept the two-state solution for Israelis and Palestin- ians, as well as the denial of the right to a state for the Palestinian people, is unacceptable. (…) It would indefinitely prolong a conflict that has be- come a major threat to global peace and security; that exacerbates polar- ization and emboldens extremists around the world” said Mr. Guterres. “The right of the Palestinian people to build their own state must be rec- ognized by all,” stressed the UN Secretary-General. The World Health Organization (WHO) deplores the “inhuman living conditions” in the small coastal territory, whose 2.4 million inhabitants lack everything, including telecoms. On Monday, Antonio Guterres called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza. The countries also called for “the independence and sovereignty of the State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in order to achieve a two-state solution”. The Non-Aligned Movement was founded in 1961 to give a greater voice to countries caught in the power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. 414 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE FRANCE MACRON TELLS NETANYAHU GAZA SITUATION “UNACCEPTABLE” AND ISRAELI OPERATIONS “MUST END” Publisher : AFP Date : 14 February 2024 Country : France Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary French President Emmanuel Macron told Israeli Prime Minister Ben- jamin Netanyahu on Wednesday that Israeli operations in Gaza “must stop” because “the human toll and the humanitarian situation” are “in- tolerable”, the Elysée reported. In a telephone call, he “expressed France’s firm opposition to an Israeli offensive at Rafah, which could only lead to a humanitarian disaster of a new magnitude, as well as to any forced displacement of populations, which would constitute violations of international humanitarian law and pose a further risk of regional escalation”. And he insisted on “the extreme urgency of concluding, without further delay, an agreement on a ceasefire that would finally guarantee the pro- tection of all civilians and the massive entry of emergency aid.” According to the French head of state, it is “imperative to open the port of Ashdod, a direct land route from Jordan and all crossing points” in order to deliver aid to the Palestinian territory. The lack of humanitarian access is “unjustifiable”, he insisted. Emmanuel Macron raised his tone even further towards the Israeli lead- er, according to the minutes published by his office. He reiterated France’s “condemnation” of “Israel’s settlement policy and called for the dismantling of outposts”, calling “for the avoidance of any measure likely to lead to uncontrolled escalation in Jerusalem and the West Bank”. The French president also urged “the Prime Minister and all Israeli lead- ers to have the courage to offer their fellow citizens a future of peace”, which in his view “can only be achieved through a two-state solution”, and thus “the creation of a Palestinian state”. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 415 UNITED KINGDOM PUTIN STRESSES ‘UNACCEPTABILITY’ OF VIOLENCE AGAINST CIVILIANS IN SERIES OF MIDDLE EAST CALLS Publisher : REUTERS Date : 16 Oct 2023 Country : United Kingdom Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Ful Text Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the escalation of the Is- rael-Palestinian conflict with the leaders of Iran, Egypt, Syria and the Palestinian Authority on Monday and said any form of violence against civilians was unacceptable, the Kremlin said. In the conversations, “there was also serious concern about the likeli- hood of the conflict escalating into a regional war”, it said. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to co-ordinate with all “construc- tive partners” to stop the fighting between Israel and the Palestinians. 416 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE UNITED KINGDOM UN SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR THE SECURITY OF GAZANS AND HIGHLIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS Publisher : REUTERS Date : 24 Oct 2023 Country : United Kingdom Author : Michelle Nichols Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday de- manded the protection of civilians in the war between Israel and Pales- tinian Hamas militants and expressed concern over “clear violations of international humanitarian law” in the Gaza Strip. The Health Ministry in Gaza said more than 700 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes, the highest toll since the bombardment began after a Hamas offensive on October 7. Guterres told the 15-member UN Security Council that “at such a critical moment” it was vital to clarify the fact that war has rules, starting with the fundamental principle of respecting and protecting civilians. “It is important to recognize that the Hamas attacks did not come out of nowhere,” Guterres said, adding that the Palestinian people “have suf- fered 56 years of suffocating occupation” but that this could not justify Hamas’ horrific attacks. Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, said he was “stunned” by Gu- terres’ speech and said in a statement to X: “His statement that Hamas’ attacks did not come out of nowhere expressed an understanding of ter- rorism and murder. It is really sad that the head of an organization that emerged after the Holocaust has such terrible views.” REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 417 UNITED KINGDOM FOREIGN MINISTER OF ALGERIA: GAZA HAS BECOME THE GRAVE OF PRINCIPLES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW Publisher: Rai el Yevm Date : 17 Dec 2023 Country: United Kingdom Author: Abdurrezzak Bulkamh Translated in: Ankara Translation Type: Summary Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmad Attaf told the 10th African Peace and Security Symposium in the western city of Wahran today that Gaza has become a graveyard for the principles of international law, where Pales- tinian civilians are deprived of their right to protection and the Israeli occupier uses every means at its disposal to destroy a people without accountability or the slightest hint of punishment by the international community. The symposium was attended by a number of officials from the continent, as well as UN representatives. The Algerian minister said that the world is at a decisive juncture, which will be decisive for the future of the entire international system, with all its rules, with all the regulations codified and established by the UN Charter. He said that security challenges on the African continent have recently taken dangerous and alarming dimensions, with increased external in- terference and conflicting interests, all of which have created an unprec- edented deterioration in the continent’s security and peace, and that the African continent is going through a delicate period, full of contradic- tions, where hopes and challenges are mixed. “What I mean by hope is the progress made in solidifying continental integration, in particular the ongoing efforts to activate the free trade area. This is an excellent tool for realizing economic development and social welfare in Africa.” he added. 418 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE UNITED KINGDOM UN CHIEF SAYS GAZA IN MIDST OF “EPIC HUMANITARIAN CATASTROPHE” Publisher : Reuters Date : 29 Nov 2023 Country : United Kingdom Author : Michelle Nichols Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said the Gaza Strip was in the midst of an “epic humanitarian catastrophe”, urging the world not to look away. “Intense negotiations are taking place to prolong the truce – which we strongly welcome - but we believe we need a true humanitarian cease- fire,” he told a meeting of the U.N. Security Council, chaired by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi because China is president of the 15-member council for November. The United Nations has scaled up the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza - a coastal enclave of 2.3 million people - during the truce, but Gu- terres said the level of aid “remains completely inadequate to meet the huge needs.” Several Arab foreign ministers also travelled to New York and were due to address the council later on Wednesday. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 419 UNITED KINGDOM U.S. SAYS ISRAEL’S NEW SETTLEMENTS IN WEST BANK “INCONSISTENT” WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW Publisher : REUTERS Date : 23 February 2024 Country : United Kingdom Author : Hümeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary The Biden administration on Friday said Israel’s expansion of settle- ments in the occupied West Bank are inconsistent with international law, signaling a return to long-standing U.S. policy on the issue, which had been reversed by the previous administration of Donald Trump. Speaking at a news conference during a trip to Buenos Aires, U.S. Secre- tary of State Antony Blinken said the United States was “disappointed” in Israel’s announcement of plans for building new housing in the oc- cupied West Bank, saying they were counterproductive to reaching an enduring peace. “They’re also inconsistent with international law. Our administration maintains a firm opposition to settlement expansion, and in our judg- ment this only weakens, doesn’t strengthen, Israel’s security,” Blinken said. The move comes a day after Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other ministers had agreed to convene a planning council to approve some 3,300 homes to be built in settlements, following a deadly Palestinian shooting attack in the West Bank on Thursday 420 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE UNITED KINGDOM POLITICIANS FROM 12 COUNTRIES UNITE TO PRESS FOR ARMS BAN ON ISRAEL Publisher : The Guardian Date : 1 March 2024 Country : United Kingdom Author : Patrick Wintour Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary More than 200 MPs from 12 countries have committed themselves to trying to persuade their governments to impose a ban on arms sales to Israel, arguing they will not be complicit in “Israel’s grave violation of international law” in its assault on Gaza. The letter, organised by Progressive International, a network of socialist MPs and activists focused on international justice, is seen as the best practical measure possible to bring public anger over the 30,000 deaths of Palestinians in Gaza into the heart of parliaments, where calls for an immediate unconditional ceasefire have so far fallen on deaf ears or been rejected by national governments. The signatories are all MPs in parliaments where the governments al- low arms sales to Israel. Nine are current or former leaders of political parties, including the former UK Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn; the leader of the Green party in the Australian senate, Larissa Waters; the coordinator of France Unbowed, Manuel Bompard; the national sec- retary of the Workers’ party of Belgium, Peter Mertens; the Canadian MP and member of the Progressive International council, Niki Ashton; the Brazilian federal deputy Nilto Tatto; the former leader of Die Linke, Bernd Riexinger; the leader of the Spanish party Podemos, Ione Belar- ra; the leader of the Dutch Socialist party, Jimmy Dijk; the Irish teachta dála (member of parliament) Thomas Pringle; and the former co-chair of the Peoples’ Democratic party in Türkiye, Sezai Temelli. There were two signatories from the US – Democratic congresswomen Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 421 This week, UN experts made a similar pronouncement, claiming “any transfer of weapons or ammunition to Israel that would be used in Gaza is likely to violate international humanitarian law and must cease im- mediately”. The letter states: “We know that lethal weapons and their parts, made or shipped through our countries, currently aid the Israeli assault on Pales- tine that has claimed over 30,000 lives across Gaza and the West Bank. “We cannot wait. Following the interim ruling by the international court of justice (ICJ) on the genocide convention case against the state of Is- rael, an arms embargo has moved beyond a moral necessity to become a legal requirement.” A separate attempt at the UN to condemn Israeli actions at a food dis- tribution point in northern Gaza that ended with the killing of as many as 100 Palestinians on Thursday is also being blocked by the US on the basis that it is not clear exactly what happened. All US arms importers are being asked to sign the letter. Israel is hugely reliant on US weapons and the letter-signing process at least gives critics within Israel of the government’s behaviour some leverage to challenge the administration to explain how the weapons deliveries can be justi- fied. 422 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE IRAN RAISI: THOSE WHO COMMITTED AND SUPPORTED LAST NIGHT’S MURDER IN GAZA MUST BE PROSECUTED Publisher : FARS NEWS AGENCY Date : 18 Oct 2023 Country : Iran Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary In his morning cabinet meeting today (Wednesday), Iranian President Seyed Ibrahim Raisi strongly condemned the ugly murder committed by the Zionist regime by bombing a hospital in Gaza and expressed his condolences to the oppressed and defenseless people of Gaza, all Pal- estinians and the Islamic Ummah: “The murderous Zionist regime has always trampled on international and humanitarian principles in its dis- honorable life, but its murder by bombing the defenseless and wounded people sheltering in a hospital is a milestone in its black record.” Raisi said that the hatred against the Zionist regime has reached its peak among all peoples with different tastes, beliefs and languages: “The peo- ple of the world today are asking the leaders of countries, all institutions and international organizations, and especially Arab and Islamic coun- tries and organizations, why they have not taken effective action against such atrocities, atrocities and murders committed by the Zionist regime against defenseless, innocent and poor children and women.” The Iranian President stressed that mere condemnation of this horrible crime is insufficient and called for an immediate halt to the Zionist re- gime’s war machine and called for the prosecution and accountability of the perpetrators and supporters of these crimes in order to guarantee human life and protect human rights. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 423 IRELAND SIMON HARRIS TO DISCUSS WITH VON DER LEYEN IRELAND’S INTENTION TO RECOGNIZE ISRAEL Publisher : Irish Times Date : 11 April 2024 Country : Ireland Author : Cormac McQuinn, Marie O’Halloran, Harry McGee Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris will raise Ireland’s intention to for- mally recognize a Palestinian state when he meets European Commis- sion President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels today. Government sources said yesterday that Ireland believes it would be best to take this step with other countries, rather than unilaterally. A group of EU member states, including Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Slove- nia, Belgium, Slovenia and Malta will put the issue on the agenda of the next European Council meeting in April, as well as the next meeting of foreign ministers. “We want to keep the momentum high. There is a growing determina- tion to do this in conjunction with the peace initiative. We want to see a concrete proposal for the recognition of Palestine.” said the sources. The EU’s official position is that it will recognize a Palestinian state when it is established as part of the two-state solution set out in the Oslo Accords three decades ago. This would lead to the establishment of two states in the territories - the pre-1967 borders, when Israel occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza during the Six Day War. A spokesperson for Harris said Ireland’s intention to recognize a Pales- tinian State was “a huge priority for the Irish people” and would be “high on the agenda” when Harris meets von der Leyen on Thursday. 424 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE SPAIN SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER ALBARES IS “APPALLED” BY THE CIVILIAN CASUALTIES IN GAZA AS A RESULT OF THE ISRAELI BOMBARDMENT OF JABALIA Publisher : Europa Press Date : 01 Nov 2023 Country : Spain Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Full Text Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares said on social media X that he was “appalled” by the civilian casualties of the Israeli bombardment of Jabaliya in Gaza and that international humanitarian law “must always be respected”. “We demand the unconditional release of the hostages and a humani- tarian ceasefire to prevent further innocent victims. We want peace and security for all in the Middle East.” he said. On Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that some 50 mi- litiamen of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) were killed in an airstrike on the Jabaliya settlement, including Central Battalion Com- mander Ibrahim Biari, one of the “leaders” of the October 7 attacks. In response, the Hamas-controlled Gaza authorities complained of “hundreds” of victims in what they described as “one of the biggest mas- sacres of the occupation”. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 425 SPAIN THE KING DEFENDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PALESTINIAN STATE TO “STOP THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE” AND PREVENT IT FROM REPEATING ITSELF Publisher : Europa Press Date : 11 January 2024 Country : Spain Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary King Felipe VI has defended the recognition of a Palestinian State living in peace alongside Israel as the way to “stop the cycle of violence” in the Middle East and prevent its repetition in the future. “The tragedy that Gaza is experiencing is shaking the conscience of Hu- manity, as did the terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas against Israel on October 7” said the King during his speech at the closing of the Con- ference of Ambassadors at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Don Felipe insisted that we must condemn what has happened and call for the release of all the hostages, as well as demand “respect for Interna- tional Law and International Humanitarian Law”, without mentioning Israel on this point. He added, “we must continue to insist that without a political solution, which includes the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, it will not be possible to stop this cycle of violence or prevent it from recurring.” The King recalled that “this was precisely the promise of the 1991 Ma- drid Peace Conference and the international community must mobilize to help the parties to make it a reality”. 426 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE SPAIN SPANISH HEAD OF GOVERNMENT SANCHEZ PLANS TO RECOGNIZE PHILISTINE STATEHOOD BEFORE SUMMER Publisher : El Pais Date : 1 April 2024 Country : Spain Author : Miguel Gonzalez, Carlos E. Cue Translated in : Ankara Translation Type: Summary The Spanish government plans to recognize the state of Palestine in the first half of this year, i.e. before the summer, as confirmed this Monday by the President of the Government himself, Pedro Sanchez, in an infor- mal meeting with journalists accompanying him on his official trip to the Middle East. On March 9, Sanchez announced that Spain would rec- ognize Palestine as a state “during this legislative term”, but that the date of recognition is now much shorter - before the summer. If he follows through on his pledge, this would presumably coincide with the Europe- an election campaign on June 9 or in the weeks immediately following. Sanchez hopes there will be movement on this issue soon. “We must pay attention to the decisions that will soon be taken in Brussels and New York,” he said. In parallel, the Moncloa government palace will use trips like the one launched today to convince Arab countries that have not yet recognized Israel, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to do so. The head of government will start in Jordan, followed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He has only one goal: The recognition of the existence of two states (Israel and Pal- estine) by the entire international community by trying to influence the key players in the region to reach the only solution to the Gaza war - which he considers that it is possible. This objective requires that West- ern countries recognize Palestine, but also that the Arabs do so together with Israel. Spain wants to move in both directions. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 427 ISRAEL FRENCH PRESIDENT MACRON: ISRAEL MUST STOP KILLING BABIES AND WOMEN IN GAZA Publisher : News Walla Date : 11 Nov 2023 Country : Israel Author : Guy Ulster Translated in : Tel Aviv Translation Type : Broad Summary The French President said that a ceasefire would benefit Israel. He added that Paris recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself and condemns Hamas terrorism. “Israel must stop killing babies and women in Gaza,” French President Emmanuel Macron said. In an interview with the BBC at the Elysee Pal- ace, Macron said there was “no justification” for the bombings and that Israel would benefit from a ceasefire after the October 7 Hamas massa- cre that killed nearly 1,200 people started the war. While recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself, Macron added: “We call on Israel to stop these bombings in Gaza.” He then emphasized that France “clearly condemns” Hamas’ terrorist acts. Asked if he would like other leaders, including the United States and Britain, to join calls for a ceasefire, he replied, “I hope so.” 428 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “Today, in practice, civilians are being bombed. These babies, these women, these old people are being bombed and killed. So there is no justification and no legitimacy. That’s why we call on Israel to stop.” But when asked about this in an interview, Macron refused to say that Israel was violating international law in Gaza. “I am not a judge, I am a head of state,” he said, adding that it would not be right to criticize Isra- el in this way just one month after it was attacked. Macron said he dis- agreed with the idea that Israel’s “best way of defending itself is to bomb Gaza”. In his view, this would create “resentment and bad feelings” in the region and prolong the conflict. In his response to Macron, Netanyahu also referred to the Hamas attack on the southern settlements that started the fighting in Gaza: “Israel went to war because the terrorist organization brutally murdered hun- dreds of Israelis and kidnapped more than 200.” He called the fact that kidnapped Israelis, including women, children and the elderly, are still being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip a “crime against human- ity”. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 429 Israel rejects calls for a ceasefire but has agreed to four-hour humanitar- ian pauses to allow civilians to move south, according to the US. The IDF presented videos and recordings showing how Hamas has made it diffi- cult for residents fleeing battlefields in the northern Gaza Strip to escape and used them as human shields. According to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, 11,78 people were killed. 430 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE SWEEDEN AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: ISRAEL COMMITTED WAR CRIMES Publisher : SVT Date : 26 Oct 2023 Country : Sweeden Author : Julia Wide Translated in : Stockholm Translation Type : Full Text Attacks on civilian targets are a violation of the laws of war and human rights organization Amnesty International believes that both Hamas and Israel are guilty of this. Anna Johansson of Amnesty International Sweden said: “Hamas’ horrif- ic attacks do not absolve Israel of its responsibility to protect civilians. Israel must ensure that it has the necessary security measures in place to protect them. Right now there is nowhere for civilians to go.” Amnesty International has previously accused Israel of war crimes fol- lowing a deadly attack on civilians trying to flee evacuation routes in northern Gaza. The Israeli military (IDF) later denied that they were behind the attack. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 431 SWEEDEN ERDOĞAN: “BUTCHER NETANYAHU” WILL BE TRIED FOR GENOCIDE Publisher : Dagens Nyheter Date : 04 Dec 2023 Country : Sweeden Author : Nathan Shachar Translated in : Stockholm Translation Type : Full Text Recep Tayyip Erdoğan continues to be Israel’s most ardent critic. In a speech on Monday, the Turkish president said that Prime Minister Bin- yamin Netanyahu “will soon be behind bars”. Erdoğan said Netanyahu, the “butcher of Gaza”, would be brought before an international court like Slobodan Milosevic, the former Serbian presi- dent convicted of genocide and imprisoned. Speaking at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Standing Commit- tee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) Conference in Istanbul, Erdoğan accused Western countries of supporting Israel in its war against the Gaza Strip: “The West is blind and deaf, blames every- thing on Hamas and gives Israel the freedom to kill as many babies as it wants.” He added. Accusing the Western media of taking Israel’s side, Erdoğan condemned “the killing of civilians in Israel” but also underlined that “Hamas is a liberation movement”. After eleven years of strained diplomatic relations, ambassadors were appointed last year. But since October 7, relations are once again strained. In a speech to students a week ago, Erdoğan promised that “2,000 law- yers will document Israeli wrongdoing so that a criminal complaint can be filed with the Criminal Court in The Hague”. Türkiye has also signaled its willingness to mediate in the conflict, per- haps with a peacekeeping force in Gaza after the fighting. Like his close 432 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ally Qatar, Erdoğan has sided with Hamas, while Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have signaled their willingness to support the re- construction of Gaza only if the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah is al- lowed to govern Gaza after the war. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 433 JAPAN CONDEMNATION FROM ALL MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRIES... PROTESTS IN TÜRKİYE AND JORDAN Publisher : Sankei Shimbun Date : 18 Oct 2023 Country : Japan Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Ful Text On October 17, countries in the Middle East voiced strong collective con- demnation after hundreds of people were killed or injured in an Israe- li army attack on a hospital in the autonomous Palestinian enclave of Gaza. Protests were reported in Türkiye, Jordan. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying it “condemns in the strongest terms the heinous crime committed by the Israeli occu- pation forces, noting that this is a violation of international law. It called for the urgent establishment of a humanitarian corridor. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Egyptian President Sisi strongly con- demned the “deliberate bombing” and called for an immediate ceasefire. King Abdullah described the attack as a “terrible massacre” and a war crime, according to Jordan’s state-owned Petra news agency. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called on the international community to “take action to stop this unprecedented atrocity in Gaza” in a post on X. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry also issued a statement of con- demnation. 434 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE KYRGYZSTAN BAYSALOV CALLS ON THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO STOP HOSTILITIES IN GAZA Publisher : Vesti KG Date : 18 March 2024 Country : Kyrgyzstan Translated in : Ankara Translation Type: Summary Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baysalov attended the opening of a photo exhibition dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry. At the ceremony, Baysalov also spoke about the humanitarian catastro- phe in the Gaza Strip. “Every day for six months, the world has witnessed the systematic de- struction of the people of Gaza. 13,000 children, 165 UN personnel and 95 journalists have been killed. In the year 2024, we are watching the genocide on live TV. Two million Palestinians are starving and the world can do nothing. Kyrgyzstan condemns terrorism. We condemned the at- tack on Israeli civilians in October. We recognize the right of the Israeli people to defend themselves, but the Jewish government has no right to put itself above international law and the United Nations. Kyrgyzstan calls on the international community and, above all, the United States of America, the main sponsor of Israel, to stop this madness and genocide,” Baysalov said. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 435 RUSSIA PUTIN: WE MUST HELP THE PEOPLE OF THE GAZA STRIP, IT IS OUR SACRED DUTY Publisher : Ria Novosti Date : 22 Nov 2023 Country : Russia Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Broad Summary Russian President Vladimir Putin calls for helping people in the Gaza Strip. “We need to help people suffering from the developments,” Putin said, describing the task as important and noble. Putin also said: “We see what is happening there. Therefore, it is our sa- cred duty to help the people there, especially our citizens.” 436 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE RUSSIA LAVROV: WITHOUT A PHILISTINE STATE, PERSECUTION IN THE ARAB WORLD WILL INCREASE Publisher : Russia Today Date : 23 January 2024 Country : Russia Translated in : Moskow Translation Type: Summary In an interview with the American television channel CBS, Russian For- eign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that until a Palestinian state is estab- lished, there will be more atrocities in the Arab and Muslim world from time to time. “This is not a prophecy, but I think that until justice is done, until a Pal- estinian state is established, there will be more atrocities from time to time in Palestine or in other parts of the Arab and Muslim world” Lavrov said. Earlier, the head of European Union diplomacy, Josep Borrell, called for a solution to the conflict in the Middle East on the basis of two states. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 437 6.2. Reflection of Palestine’s Rightful Cause in the World Press USA THE DEVELOPING WORLD SEES A DOUBLE STANDARD BETWEEN WESTERN ACTIONS IN GAZA AND UKRAINE Publisher : The New York Times Date : 23 October 2023 Country : USA Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary For 20 months, the Biden administration has tried to take the moral high ground against Russia, condemning its brutal war against Ukraine for indiscriminately killing civilians. While this argument resonated in much of the West, it found less res- onance in other parts of the world, which saw the war more as a great power conflict and refused to join sanctions or otherwise isolate Russia. Now, as Israel bombs the Gaza Strip, killing more than 4300 people since 7 October, the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel is a major step in its efforts to win global public opinion. Israel’s land attack on Gaza, its threats to launch a land operation, and America’s continued clinging to its most important ally in the Middle East have led to accusations of hypocrisy. Such accusations are hardly new to conflicts in the Middle East, but the dynamics of the bilateral crisis go beyond Washington’s desire to rally global support to punish Russia for invading its neighbor. The Middle East is increasingly emerging as a new front in the struggle for influence in the Global South. Clifford Kupchan, Chairman of the Eurasia Group, said: ‘The war in the Middle East will create a widening gap between the West and key coun- tries of the Global South such as Brazil and Indonesia.’ said. 438 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Joko Widodo, the President of Indonesia, which is the world’s most pop- ulous Muslim country and does not recognize Israel, condemned the “ongoing injustices against the Palestinian people.” Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized US arms ship- ments to Ukraine for ‘encouraging’ war, but blamed both sides for the conflict and offered to mediate. As President of the UN Security Council, Brazil this month drafted a resolution on a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, in which the “heinous terrorist attacks of Hamas” were also clearly condemned. After the United States vetoed this resolution because it did not men- tion Israel’s right to self-defense, Brazilian Ambassador to the UN Sergio França Danese expressed his disappointment and “Hundreds of thousands of civilians in Gaza cannot wait any longer. (...) It’s actually too long.” Arab leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Jorda- nian King Abdullah II and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Fais- al bin Farhan al Saud, reacted to the practices they described as double standards in their speeches at the peace summit held in Cairo on Satur- day. . King Abdullah said: ‘In any other place, attacking civilian infrastructure and deliberately depriving an entire population of food, water and basic necessities would be condemned and held accountable. (...) Internation- al law loses all its value if applied selectively.” said. Palestinians criticized Western capitals for failing to express their anger at the bombing of Gaza, similar to how they described Russia’s missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure as “barbaric” and a “crime against humanity”. Hanna Notte, a Berlin-based Eurasia analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that the West is looking for ‘Ukrainian refugees, suffering Ukrainian civilians; He said there is a perception that he cares more about those suffering in Yemen, Gaza, Sudan and Syria. This explains why the West has failed to persuade countries like India and Türkiye to support sanctions against Russia. Considering the situa- tion in Gaza, this effort is unlikely to succeed anytime soon. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 439 Richard Gowan, UN director of the International Crisis Group, said: ‘This is a huge headache for Western diplomats because they have spent so much time this year trying to influence the Global South. (...) Through- out this year we have seen a decline in support and interest in Ukraine among UN members.” said. 440 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE USA UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICIAL QUITS OVER “GENOCIDE” IN GAZA AND BLAMES THE WEST Publisher : CNN-Internet Date : 1 November 2023 Country : USA Author : Richard Roth Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Full Text A United Nations human rights official is leaving his job over what he calls a “genocide” in Gaza that the UN has failed to stop. Craig Mokhiber, director of the UN’s New York Office of the High Com- missioner for Human Rights, said in a letter that Gaza is a textbook case of genocide. Mokhiber, who said he lived in Gaza working on human rights for the UN in the 1990s, accused the United States, the United Kingdom and European countries of giving political and diplomatic cover for Israel’s alleged atrocities. In the letter, which began with a statement acknowledging it would be his last official communication in his position, Mokhiber wrote that af- ter witnessing what happened in Rwanda, Bosnia, and to Rohingya civil- ians in Myanmar, the UN has repeatedly failed to stop genocide. “High Commissioner, we are failing again,” he said in the letter sent to the UN’s human rights chief Volker Turk in Geneva. The UN Secretary-General press secretary said Mokhiber is retiring as of Tuesday. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 441 USA SOUTH AFRICA RECALLS AMBASSADOR AND DIPLOMATIC MISSION TO ISRAEL AND ACCUSES IT OF GENOCIDE IN GAZA Publisher : AP Date : 6 November 2023 Country : USA Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary South Africa’s government has recalled Monday its ambassador and dip- lomatic mission to Israel in condemnation of the bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which has killed over 9,700 Palestinians, calling it “a geno- cide”. The government also threatened action against the Israeli ambassa- dor to South Africa over his recent remarks about the African country’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war. No further details were given about the remarks. 442 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE USA PENTAGON URGED TO HALT PLANS FOR GIVING ISRAEL ARTILLERY SUPPLIES Publisher : The Washington Post Date : 13 November 2023 Country : USA Author : Missy Ryan Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary A group of civil society organizations urged the Biden administration on Monday to forgo supplying artillery shells to Israel, reflecting the mounting pressure the United States faces over its support for the Israeli campaign against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. In a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, more than 30 U.S.-based aid, advocacy and religious organizations including Oxfam America, Amnesty International and the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) expressed alarm about the Pentagon’s plan to provide the Israel Defense Forces 155mm artillery munitions from a special American weapons stockpile in that country. “Under the current circumstances, granting the government of Israel ac- cess to these munitions would undermine the protection of civilians, re- spect for international humanitarian law [IHL], and the credibility of the Biden administration,” the groups wrote in their letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post. “Simply put, it is difficult to imagine a scenario in which high explosive 155mm artillery shells could be used in Gaza in compliance with IHL.” The letter reflects the growing public concern about Israel’s military op- eration to destroy Hamas, and America’s role supporting that campaign. A group of 26 Democratic senators last week appealed to President Biden seeking assurances that U.S. support was underpinned by a prudent strat- egy and saying that future aid should hinge on factors including Israel’s protection of civilians. Leading Democrats are also pressing Biden for greater transparency about what assistance is being given to Israel. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 443 USA THE U.S. MUST EMBRACE PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD NOW Publisher : The New York Times Date : 15 December 2023 Country : USA Author : R.David Harden, Larry Garber Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary It is time. The United States should recognize the state of Palestine and join the 139 other countries that have done so. President Biden, who has the pow- er to grant recognition, should make history and in doing so preserve the possibility of a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. For decades, U.S. presidents have dangled the prospect of an indepen- dent Palestine living side by side in peace and security with Israel. For Palestinians, U.S. recognition has been a mirage. The Israeli government, meanwhile, has actively undermined Palestinian statehood by weaken- ing the Palestinian Authority and fostering deep divisions among the Palestinian people. U.S. recognition of Palestine would make diplomatic and political sense now, especially since Mr. Biden’s national security team is devising a plan for Gaza after the conflict that was sparked by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The Israeli invasion that followed has killed thousands of Palestinians and devastated the territory. The president this week said international support for Israel was weakening because of its “in- discriminate bombing” of Gaza. There are four main benefits to recognition. First, American recognition of Palestine would demonstrate to the Palestinian people that the Unit- ed States is finally matching its talk of peace with meaningful action. Last week’s U.S. veto of a U.N. Security Council cease-fire resolution and the approval of emergency military sales to Israel before congressional 444 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE notification indicate continuing support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war aims. Mr. Biden could level the diplomatic playing field. U.S. recognition of statehood would confer national legitimacy on the Palestinian people, who would then understand that their 75-year struggle for indepen- dence had been accepted by Israel’s closest ally and the leader of the free world. At a practical level, a U.S. ambassador would ensure that Palestin- ians living in the West Bank and Gaza had a direct line to the president and secretary of state. Second, U.S. recognition of Palestine would undercut Hamas’s ambitions to establish an Islamic state “from the river to the sea.” Hamas appears uninterested in governing, building a modern economy or connecting the Palestinian people to the community of nations. Its goal remains the destruction of Israel. U.S. recognition would bolster the political capi- tal of Hamas’s rival, the Palestinian Authority; civil society; the business community; and those who are prepared to live in peace with Israel. Third, recognition would send a strong message of repudiation of the Netanyahu administration, which has done everything possible to di- minish the Palestinian Authority, has looked away from settler violence and has damaged the prospects of a two-state solution. Opponents may raise the moral hazard argument: Why should Wash- ington reward Palestinians for bad behavior? By recognizing Palestine, however, the administration would demonstrate that it does not view all Palestinians as Hamas sympathizers. In fact, according to pre-Oct. 7 public opinion surveys, a majority of Palestinians said they preferred to live in an independent country at peace with Israel. A U.S. policy in sup- port of that desire, including commitments to help rebuild Gaza and to improve the quality of life there, would give the population an incentive to choose new leaders who would work toward achieving the long-de- ferred Palestinian dream of independence. The process is not as complicated as it may seem. Mr. Biden would not need congressional approval or new laws. Israel and Palestine’s unsettled borders were not a bar to Israel’s recog- nition in 1948, and it should not be a bar to Palestine’s recognition now. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 445 Palestinian statehood would not come free of charge. Israel would need to substantially degrade Hamas infrastructure and remove its senior leadership. The Biden administration would then need to articulate its view of a post-Hamas Gaza that would address Israel’s legitimate secu- rity concerns. The president should couple U.S. recognition of Palestine with a reaffirmation of the U.S.-Israeli partnership, including the com- mitment to enhance Israel’s ability to protect itself. Let us be clear. U.S. recognition of Palestine would not create peace in the Middle East, but it would enhance prospects for a two-state solution to end the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. Both parties would still need to negotiate just and equitable solutions to borders, security, refugees, the status of Jerusalem, water and future economic relations. Nevertheless, U.S. recognition of a Palestinian state and a long-term commitment to Israel’s security would go a long way toward building a future in which both peoples could live peacefully together. 446 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE AFGHANISTAN ISRAEL’S HISTORICAL CRIME... MORE THAN A THOUSAND PATIENTS AND WOUNDED WERE MARTYRED AT AL-AHLI BAPTIST HOSPITAL IN GAZA Publisher : Jomhor News Date : 18 October 2023 Country : Afghanistan Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary The extent of this tragedy is so shocking that Israel’s murderous Prime Minister Netanyahu denied that the regime in question was involved in this incident. More than 1090 children, women and Palestinian Muslim civilians were martyred when Israeli missiles hit the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza. It is stated that all the patients and injured people in this hospital were martyred during the Israeli attacks, and many martyrs’ bodies were completely destroyed due to the explosive power of this barbaric attack. At the press conference held by the doctors of this hospital, they stated that the crime committed by Israel was unprecedented and cruel, that all the patients were martyred, and that they operated on some of the injured without anesthesia, even though they did not have sufficient medical equipment. After this terrible event, people took to the streets in some countries of the world such as Iran, Türkiye, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria and Iraq. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 447 GERMANY HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: ISRAEL USED WHITE PHOSPHORUS IN THE GAZA STRIP Publisher: DPA Date : 13 Oct 2023 Country: Germany Translated in: Ankara Translation Type: Full Text The Israeli military used white phosphorus in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, according to Human Rights Watch. “Based on verified video and witness testimony, Human Rights Watch has determined that the Israeli Armed Forces used white phosphorus during military operations in Leb- anon and the Gaza Strip on October 10 and 11, 2023,” the organization said in a statement. The operation against densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip violates international humanitarian law, which requires conflicting parties to take all possible measures to prevent injury and loss of civilian life, the organization said. The use of white phosphorus against military targets is controversial but not prohibited. The 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) excludes the use of incendiary bombs against civilians. Videos obtained by Human Rights Watch show the use of large quan- tities of white phosphorus in Gaza Port and in two rural towns on the Israeli-Lebanese border. White phosphorus is highly flammable. It is used militarily in incendi- ary bombs, signaling devices, tracer munitions, and smoke grenades, and can cause severe burns 448 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE GERMANY THE UNITED NATIONS USE LENTILS AND RICE INSTEAD OF FUEL… GAZA IS NOT GETTING WHAT IT NEEDS Publisher : DPA Date : 24 October 2023 Country : Germany Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary According to the United Nations, 54 trucks carrying relief supplies have arrived in the Gaza Strip since Saturday. Tamara Alrifai, Director of Communications at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians in the Middle East (UNWRA), said this was too little for the circumstances. Alrifai said, “Urgently needed fuel for generators was not supplied. Rice and lentils were distributed instead, but people need water and gas for cooking. The deliveries are not working. Before the escalation of hostil- ities on 7 October, 500 trucks a day were arriving in the Gaza Strip. At least 100 of them were carrying fuel and food.” REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 449 GERMANY UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE GAZA WAR: “INTERNATIONAL LAW IS NOT AN A LA CARTE MENU” Publisher : DPA Date : 31 October 2023 Country : Germany Translated in : Ankara Type : Full text UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed “deep concern” at the escalation of fighting between Israel and the militant Hamas group. This includes the expansion of ground operations by Israeli forces, in- tensification of airstrikes and continued rocket fire from Gaza into Isra- el, according to a UN statement issued in New York on Tuesday. Guterres again called for a humanitarian ceasefire and unhindered ac- cess for aid workers to the Gaza Strip. The UN Secretary-General again strongly condemned the terrorist at- tacks carried out by Hamas on October 7, saying there was no justifica- tion for the attacks. Guterres also deplored the fact that two-thirds of those killed in Gaza were women and children. Guterres also lamented the deaths of many UN personnel: “International humanitarian law lays down clear rules that cannot be ignored. It is not an a la carte menu and cannot be applied selectively.” 450 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE GERMANY NORWAY ACCUSES ISRAEL OF VIOLATING INTERNATIONAL LAWS OF WAR Publisher : DPA Date : 10 November 2023 Country : Germany Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Full Text Norway is increasingly critical of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in an interview broadcast by Norwegian radio station NRK on Thursday evening that the suffering in Gaza, espe- cially that of children, is horrible and disturbing. “This is a war that, in my opinion, is being waged with a very strong military logic but without a clear political idea of how it should end,” Gahr Støre said. When asked what he thought about the heavy bombardment, Støre said, “We believe it is a violation of the international law of war, namely the right to protection of civilians. We condemn all violations of the inter- national laws of war, but it is for the courts to decide whether they con- stitute war crimes. The Hamas attacks on October 7 are horrific and un- justified terrorist attacks against civilians. Israel has the right to defend itself. But it is highly questionable how the actions in Gaza will provide security for Israel in the long term. The children who survive this hell in Gaza will not be forgiving in the future.” Despite its relatively small population of around five million people, Norway has proven to be a diplomatic force in mediating past conflicts, including the Middle East conflict. After months of secret talks in Oslo, the Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and the Palestinians were signed in Washington in 1993. 30 years later, the end of the conflict is still a long way off. Støre said that the only solution is a two-state solution. But he thinks it would be naive to believe that this solution is imminent. Støre sees no reason to be optimistic. In fact, he believes that the situation is getting worse. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 451 GERMANY SOUTH AFRICA’S PRO-PALESTINIAN STANCE CREATES EXCITEMENT: MINISTER CALLS FOR ARREST WARRANT FOR NETANYAHU Publisher : Frankfurter Rundschau-Internet Date : 26 November 2023 Country : Germany Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Full Text --The South African Government Sides with the Palestinians in the Gaza War and Pressures Israel. Many Africans make comparisons with the co- lonial era. But from the Continent to Israel There’s Surprising Support, Too. South Africa Now Offers a Peace Plan— Israeli Ambassador to South Africa Eliav Belotserkovsky was sum- moned by the South African government on Friday. The Foreign Minis- try criticized the ambassador’s critical statements about South Africa’s pro-Palestinian policy. The statement reads as follows: “Ambassador Be- lotserkovsky is asked to act in accordance with the Vienna Conventions, which grant certain privileges and responsibilities to heads of diplomat- ic missions, including recognition of the sovereign decisions of the host country.” “There seems to be a rare practice among some ambassadors in South Africa that they think they can say whatever they want,” For- eign Minister Naledi Pandor said. South Africa’s pro-Palestinian stance is causing a stir internationally. The country joins a handful of states -including Iran, Russia and Türki- ye, as well as Chile, Honduras, Belgium and Spain- that exert more diplo- matic pressure on Israel than Palestine and from which the international community does not expect a different reaction. African states tend to sympathize with Palestine and favor a two-state solution. Many African countries that experienced decolonization in the 1960s compare their experience with that of the Palestinian people, who have been fighting for their right to exist since the creation of Israel in 452 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 1948. Moussa Faki Mahamat, President of the African Union Commis- sion, sees “the denial of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian peo- ple, in particular the right to an independent state” as the main cause of the current conflict. Algeria, for example, is a supporter of Palestine and therefore speaks for other Islamic states in North Africa. --Congo Supports Israel More-- But there are also African states that tend to support Israel, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia. President Paul Biya of Cameroon, who has ruled the country since 1982, is seen as Israel’s closest ally in Africa. Relations are based primarily on military cooperation. Along with Eritrea, Cameroon is the only country on the continent that does not recognize Palestine as a state. Ethiopia, which has a long-standing relationship with Israel, maintains a neutral stance. Many Ethiopian Jews have been brought to Israel since 1977. Since then, the ties between the two countries have been very close. For example, many Israeli companies invest in Ethiopian agriculture or floriculture. The pro-Israel stance of African countries is not always due to close dip- lomatic relations, but rather to their complex ties with Western states, which the governments concerned do not want to antagonize. The West is still the most important donor of development aid. And some African countries buy weapons from Israel, which makes them less critical. --South Africa: The Strongest Pro-Palestinian Voice on the Continent-- Since the end of the Cold War, however, South Africa has been the stron- gest voice for Palestinians in Africa. In the 1990s, former President Nel- son Mandela compared the fate of Palestinians to that of black South Africans under the white apartheid state. Last year, Foreign Minister Pandor expressed concern over Israel’s continued occupation of “a sig- nificant part of the West Bank” and called on the United Nations to clas- sify Israel as an apartheid state. This attitude has intensified since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed condolences for the victims on both sides, but immediately expressed solidarity with Pales- tine. At the October Middle East Summit in Cairo, he said: “We fought a brave battle for freedom and endured unspeakable suffering, just like the Palestinians.” REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 453 --South African Foreign Minister Pandor Seeks Arrest Warrant for Net- anyahu-- Pandor is now in favor of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing the ongoing bombardment of Palestin- ian territories as “genocide in progress”. Last week, Ramaphosa also for- mally recognized the International Criminal Court to investigate possi- ble war crimes committed by Israel. The South African Parliament plans to sever all diplomatic relations with Israel. Pretoria has also withdrawn all South African diplomats from Tel Aviv to “consult” on how to proceed. Pandor had previously spoken on the phone with Hamas leaders and met with Iranian President Ibrahim Rei- si in Tehran, prompting criticism at home for being pro-Hamas. But as in the Ukraine war, South Africa is now offering to broker peace talks and calling for an immediate ceasefire. A seven-point peace plan is said to have already been drawn up. As with the Ukraine war, South Africa is thus trying to score international points for the global South. The foreign minister recently said that “progress” had been made on the road to peace in Ukraine. 454 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE CHINA WHO: 160 CHILDREN KILLED PER DAY IN GAZA Publisher : Xinhua Date : 8 November 2023 Country : China Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Full Text Over 11,000 people, or some 0.5 percent of the total population in the Gaza Strip, have reportedly been killed in the region, with an average of 160 children dying per day there, an official from the World Health Orga- nization (WHO) said on Tuesday. So far, 16 health workers have been killed on duty, and the WHO is work- ing to support health workers in Gaza and once again pleading for their safety, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told a press briefing here. Lindmeier said 102 attacks against healthcare had been recorded in Gaza, 121 in the West Bank, and 25 in Israel. At the moment, 14 hospitals in Gaza were not functioning, due to the lack of fuel or the damages. Noting Tuesday marks one month since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, the WHO official said that people in Israel were frightened and worried about more than 200 hostages, reiterating the call for the im- mediate release of all the hostages, many of whom need urgent medical attention. At the same time, nothing justified the horror endured by civilians in Gaza, who need water, food and healthcare, and the level of death and suffering facing them is hard to fathom, he stressed. Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Hu- manitarian Affairs, told reporters that a total of 561 trucks had entered Gaza since Oct. 21, but none of them contained fuel due to the ban by the Israeli authorities. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 455 Alessandra Vellucci, director of the UN Information Service in Geneva, told the briefing that more than 1.5 million people in Gaza had been dis- placed, with nearly half of them taking shelter in UN facilities. 456 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE DENMARK PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL: ISRAEL HAS VIOLATED INTERNATIONAL LAW Publisher: DR Date : 17 October 2023 Country: Denmark Author: Per Bang Thomsen Translated in: Ankara Translation Type: Summary --The Leaders of The EU Countries Met Virtually Today to Agree on a Common Line Against Israel and Hamas-- The total siege of Gaza, affecting the civilian population in the region, is a direct violation of international law. This is the message of Charles Michel, President of the European Coun- cil, after the heads of state and government of the member states held an extraordinary crisis meeting via videoconference today on the war between Israel and Hamas. Last week, the EU’s Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell stated that Israel has already violated international law by cutting off water and electric- ity, among other things, for the citizens of Gaza. The President of the Council agrees with that. Charles Michel said after today’s summit that the total siege, in which access to basic infrastructure as well as water and electricity is cut off and food is not allowed to arrive, is not in line with international law. He added that Israel also violated international law when it allegedly carried out an airstrike on a hospital in the Gaza Strip today, killing hun- dreds of people. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also attended the press conference. Ursula von der Leyen did not directly answer whether the total siege of Gaza violates international law. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 457 And the Commission President did not speak as confidently as Charles Michel on the attack on the hospital in the Gaza Strip. “I can’t comment on this at the moment,” Ursula von der Leyen said after the meeting, whose aim was to find a common EU line on the conflict. According to the Council President, the leaders fully support the joint statement they issued on Sunday. In the statement, they “strongly con- demned Hamas and its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel” and demanded the immediate release of all hostages taken by the terrorist organization. They also “strongly emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself in accor- dance with humanitarian law and international law”. But they also em- phasized that all civilians must be protected and that humanitarian aid to the citizens of Gaza must continue. “We support a long-term solution to the conflict based on a two-state solution,” Charles Michel emphasized at a press conference. “We will strengthen cooperation between the security services of the countries and fight against hate speech, anti-Semitism and racism, which lead to discrimination between our peoples,” Charles Michel said. 458 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE FRANCE GAZA… THERE CAN BE NO WINNERS IN A WAR THAT KILLS THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN Publisher : AFP Date : 6 November 2023 Country : France Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary UN Committee on The Rights of Child said on Wednesday, “There can be no winners in a war that kils thousands of children.” condemning “gross violations of children’s rights” in the Gaza Strip. The Committee “strongly condemns Israel’s escalating attacks on civil- ian targets in the Gaza Strip, which have resulted in the deaths of more than 3,000 children since 7 October 2023, and expresses deep concern about the fate of children who continue to be held hostage by Hamas.” REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 459 UNITED KINGDOM BRUTAL NETANYAHU WANTS TO KILL ISRAELI PRISONERS IN GAZA Publisher : Rai el Yevm Date : 1 November 2023 Country : United Kingdom Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary Most of the messages from the Palestinian resistance on the situation of Israeli and foreign hostages in Gaza do not seem to be of much interest to Prime Minister Netanyahu, who seems determined to implement the most dangerous plan that could bring down the “occupation state”. From the second day of the 7 October events, Netanyahu made state- ments to ease the pressure from the families, but completely ignored the issue of prisoners in the hands of the resistance. Even more bizarre is the fact that the occupation army is actually concentrating its operations in the areas where the Israeli prisoners are located. As a result, many pris- oners have died. The Kassam Brigades recently reported the deaths of seven prisoners, including three foreigners, in the Jibaliya massacre. The Hebrew press covered this dangerous situation and the seriousness and credibility of Netanyahu’s handling of the prisoners in the hands of the resistance with great embarrassment and embarrassment. At this point we find many questions about the reasons for the intensity of the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, especially in densely populated ar- eas, where any sane person without a military background would expect prisoners to be in these populated areas. This leaves the most prominent question: Does Netanyahu really want to kill them so that they will no longer be a bargaining card in the hands of Hamas and the resistance? As Netanyahu is accused of lying and not being interested in the return of the Israeli prisoners, anger is growing among the families of the hos- tages, as well as the escalation in Gaza. Anger grows with the lack of information about what happened to them and the absence of an offi- 460 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE cial negotiating channel for them. Inside Israel, there is growing concern that a ground operation could drag the army into an intractable war in- side Gaza. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is facing a crisis of public confidence, as the families of the prisoners have increased the pressure on the gov- ernment, emphasising that their patience is running out. Hundreds of prisoners’ families have been protesting outside Netanyahu’s residence south of Haifa, demanding an urgent convening of the war council. Last Monday, three Israeli hostages held by Hamas demanded the immedi- ate release of Palestinian prisoners in return for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office described the video as “harsh psychological propaganda”. In the video, an Israeli woman ad- dresses Netanyahu, saying: “You are killing us. Release the Palestinian prisoners.” REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 461 UNITED KINGDOM THE SUFFERING OF PALESTINIANS EXTENDS BEYOND GAZA Publisher : The Guardian Date : 14 December 2023 Country : United Kingdom Author : Editorial Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Broad Summary The scale and sheer horror of the war in Gaza has rightly captured the world’s attention. But surging violence in the occupied West Bank should sound the alarm too. Last year was the bloodiest since 2005. This year is worse. Volker Türk, the UN human rights chief, has called the situation “potentially explosive”, warning of the intensification of violence and se- vere discrimination against Palestinians. Raids on the Jenin refugee camp continued on Thursday, with a densely packed population living in fear and with access to healthcare severely affected, according to charities. Such operations have repeatedly led to the deaths of civilians – including children and the journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. The new wave of armed resistance has emerged in recent years amid the failure of Palestinian political leadership, anger over se- curity force abuses and settler violence, despair at the unending occupa- tion and the shrinking prospect of a two-state solution as illegal settle- ments expand. In the last two months, thousands of Palestinians have been arrested with a record number held without charge or trial, and growing reports of humiliation and abuse of detainees. Meanwhile, settler violence has forced out multiple communities, and Palestinians face hunger as well as humiliation and danger. Hundreds of thousands have reportedly lost their jobs or had their wages frozen after Israel cancelled their work per- mits and severely restricted crossings. The Palestinian Authority is no longer receiving the import taxes on which it depends. 462 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The announcement of UK and US sanctions on violent settlers is wel- come. But the real issue is an extremist government that not only enables but encourages extremism. Benjamin Netanyahu handed significant powers over the West Bank to the finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who seeks to lay the ground for a doubling of settlers, and who claimed that there is “no such thing” as a Palestinian people. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the national security minister and a man with a conviction for racist in- citement, has handed out firearms to settler “security squads”. What is happening now in the West Bank is critical to the future of all Palestinians. What’s left of the Palestinian Authority’s credibility, al- ready in tatters, would surely not survive economic collapse. The Israeli ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, said “absolutely no” to a two-state solution this week. What does Mr Netanyahu’s government then envisage for Palestinians? It rejects claims that it wants to force them out of Gaza. The alternative would appear to be permanent second-class status within a single state. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 463 UNITED KINGDOM ISRAEL IS MURDERING PALESTINIAN JOURNALISTS IN GAZA. WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE? Publisher : The Guardian Date : 10.01.2024 Country : United Kingdom Author : Chris McGreal Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calculates that Israel has killed more than 70 media workers in the latest war in Gaza. Others put the toll at more than 100. The CPJ says that the scale and circumstances of the killings, including direct threats to reporters and their families by Israeli officials, is evi- dence that Palestinian reporters in Gaza are being targeted. If so, it’s a war crime and the international criminal court should add these killings to its investigation of Israel’s other alleged breaches of the Geneva con- ventions across occupied Palestine. As the CPJ and the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders say, the scale and nature of the deaths of journalists and their families suggests there is more going on than a few ill-disciplined soldiers taking pot shots at reporters. Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet, said they should be hunted down as terrorists, reflecting a widely held suspicion among Is- raeli officials that Palestinian journalists are an appendage of Hamas. Dead western journalists create more waves, which is presumably one of the reasons Israel has locked the foreign press out of Gaza during the present war. International news organisations now rely on those same Palestinian reporters targeted by Israel. It is therefore troubling that while western newspapers and television stations have reported the ris- ing numbers of deaths of journalists in Gaza, many news organisations appear unwilling to directly address the pattern of killing that provides strong evidence of a war crime. It would surely be different if American or European reporters were the ones dying. 464 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE UNITED KINGDOM UN DEPLORES ISRAEL’S ‘SYSTEMATIC’ REFUSAL TO GRANT ACCESS TO NORTH GAZA Publisher : Reuters Date : 12.01.2024 Country : United Kingdom Author : Gabrielle Tetrault Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary The United Nations humanitarian office said on Friday that Israeli au- thorities were systematically denying it access to northern Gaza to de- liver aid and this had significantly hindered the humanitarian operation there. “The operations in the north have become increasingly more complicat- ed,” said Andrea De Domenico, head of office for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Occupied Palestin- ian Territories. “We have systematic refusal from the Israeli side of our effort to get there, to access the north. In particular, they have been very systematic in not allowing us to support hospitals, which is something that is reaching a level of inhumanity that, for me, is beyond comprehension,” he said. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 465 UNITED KINGDOM UNDERCOVER ISRAELI KILLINGS IN WEST BANK HOSPITAL MAY BE WAR CRIMES: UN EXPERTS Publisher : Reuters Date : 09.02.2024 Country : United Kingdom Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary The killing of three Palestinian men in a hospital in the occupied West Bank last month by Israeli commandos disguised as medical workers and Muslim women may amount to war crimes, a group of U.N. experts said on Friday. The three militants were killed on Jan. 29 in a joint undercover opera- tion by the army, Shin Bet security service and border police in the Ibn Sina hospital in Jenin, one of the most volatile cities in the West Bank, Israel’s military said. “Under international humanitarian law, killing a defenceless injured pa- tient who is being treated in a hospital amounts to a war crime,” the U.N. experts said in a statement, referring to Basel Al-Ghazzawi, a patient be- ing treated for injuries it said were caused by an Israeli air strike. 466 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE UNITED KINGDOM MOROCCO REITERATES ITS SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE IN ISTANBUL Publisher : El Kuds El Arabi Date : 25.02.2024 Country : United Kingdom Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary Morocco reiterated its support for the Palestinian cause from Istanbul on Saturday, reaffirming its commitment to a peace agreement based on a two-state solution to establish an equitable and lasting peace in the Middle East region. This emphasis was made at the Extraordinary Meeting of Information Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Information of the member states of the Organization. Morocco was represented by a delegation from the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, consisting of Mastafa Amadjar, Director of Communications and Public Relations, and Wadi Tawil, Undersecretary for Communications at the Ministry. Amadjar told the OIC Information Ministers that Morocco has made the defense of the legitimate Palestinian cause a principle of its foreign pol- icy and will continue its intensive efforts to defend the holy sites, espe- cially Jerusalem, the Moroccan News Agency reported. Amadjar also stressed that the war against the Palestinian people has ex- posed as fake and false the claims of many Western media outlets about their defense of principles such as objectivity, honesty and freedom, “Indeed, Western media outlets sided with the aggressor. Likewise, this war has exposed the hypocrisy of some international organizations that boast of being defenders of freedom of expression. Indeed, while dozens of journalists and members of the press were killed, none of them spoke out.” REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 467 UNITED KINGDOM ERDOĞAN “WHAT HAPPENED IN GAZA GENOCIDE NOT WAR” Publisher : El Kuds El Arabi Date : 01.03.2024 Country : United Kingdom Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Broad Summary Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized on Friday that what is happening in Gaza, which is being subjected to Israeli warfare, is definitely not a war, but an attempt at genocide. Erdoğan made the remarks at the opening of the 3rd Antalya Diplomacy Forum in the southern Turkish city of Antalya. Erdoğan pointed out that the Western powers that unconditionally sup- port Israel are complicit in the bloodshed with their hypocritical poli- cies. Erdoğan continued his words as follows: “In Gaza, not only children, women and civilians have been brutally murdered. At the same time, the faith of billions of people in the international system, justice and law has been destroyed... The international community can only repay its debt to the Palestinian people through the establishment of a Palestinian state. This requires the establishment of an independent, sovereign and geo- graphically integrated Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. For this purpose, as Türkiye, we are ready to take responsibility, including as a guarantor.” Criticizing the current international order, the Turkish President said that it has lost its mean- ing and weight, that it is no more than a slogan, that it lacks concepts such as solidarity, justice and trust, and that it is unable to fulfill even its minimum responsibilities. “As a responsible country, it is our duty both to our own people and to all humanity to boldly say what we know is right,” Erdoğan said. Stating 468 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE that Antalya, the capital of tourism, has become one of the centers where the heart of global diplomacy beats with the forum, Erdoğan said, “The impressive level of participation in today’s meeting emphasizes how ac- curate this determination is.” Erdoğan also expressed his belief that the exchange of ideas and discussions at the forum will bring us one step closer to truth, goodness, justice and reality. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 469 UNITED KINGDOM PALESTINIANS ‘BEATEN AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTED’ AT ISRAELI DETENTION CENTRES, UN REPORT CLAIMS Publisher : The Guardian Date : 05.03.2024 Country : United Kingdom Author : Julian Borger Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary An internal UN report describes widespread abuse of Palestinian detain- ees in Israeli detention centres, including beatings, dog attacks, the pro- longed use of stress positions and sexual assault. The report was compiled by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Pales- tine Refugees (UNRWA) and is largely based on interviews of Palestinian detainees released at the Kerem Shalom crossing point since December, when UNRWA staff were present to provide humanitarian support. The report, which has been circulated within the UN and seen by the Guardian, says that just over 1,000 detainees have been released since December. But it estimates that more than 4,000 men, women and chil- dren have been rounded up in Gaza since the start of the current conflict, triggered by Hamas raids into southern Israel on 7 October which killed about 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians. Israel denies the abuse allegations, which it described as Hamas-in- spired propaganda. It has named 12 UNRWA staff it claims took part in the 7 October attack, and claims that 450 of the agency’s 13,000 workers in Gaza are members of Hamas or other militant groups. The allegations, which are being studied by two separate UN inquiries, have so far not been substantiated. The UNRWA report says that its em- ployees have been detained, many while carrying out aid work, subject- ed to abuse, and put under pressure to smear the agency. 470 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The UNRWA report says: “Methods of ill-treatment reported included physical beatings, forced stress positions for extended periods of time, threats of harm to detainees and their families, attacks by dogs, insults to personal dignity and humiliation such as being made to act like ani- mals or getting urinated on, use of loud music and noises, deprivation of water, food, sleep and toilets, denial of the right to practice their religion (to pray) and prolonged use of tightly locked handcuffs causing open wounds and friction injuries. The allegations in the report could not be independently verified but are consistent with accounts given to the Guardian, and collected by human rights organisations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a blanket denial of the allegations in the UNRWA report. “The mistreatment of detainees during their time in detention or whilst under interrogation violates IDF values and contravenes IDF orders and is therefore absolutely prohibited,” a written statement provided to the Guardian said. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 471 UNITED KINGDOM MORE CHILDREN KILLED IN GAZA IN FOUR MONTHS THAN IN FOUR YEARS OF WORLDWIDE WARS, SAYS UN Publisher : The Telegraph Date : 13.03.2024 Country : United Kingdom Author : Nataliya Vasilyeva Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary More children have been killed in Gaza in just four months of fighting than in four years of armed conflicts around the world combined, the United Nations has said. The UN said on Tuesday that more than 12,300 children died between October and February in the Gaza Strip, mostly in Israeli airstrikes, cit- ing its own data and reports from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. At the same time, the UN’s own calculations show that 12,193 children were killed in fighting in all armed conflicts globally between 2019 and 2022. At least 31,272 people have been killed in Gaza since October last year, according to the Gaza health ministry. Although it is run by Hamas, the ministry’s casualty figures for previous conflicts have been found to be accurate. On Tuesday, Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees, called the numbers “staggering”. “This war is a war on children. It is a war on their childhood and their future,” he said. 472 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The ongoing war in Gaza, which has already led to at least 20 children dying from starvation, has caused “relentless mental harm” to minors there, charity group Save the Children said on Tuesday. Israel insists it is only bombing military targets in Gaza and says it goes to great lengths to minimise civilian casualties. It warned of the emo- tional distress of children in Gaza as they flee bombs and bullets. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 473 UNITED KINGDOM FAMINE IN GAZA: A HUMAN-MADE CATASTROPHE Publisher : The Guardian Date : 19.03.2024 Country : United Kingdom Author : Editorial Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary The question is no longer whether Palestinians will starve to death in a famine, but how many will do so. Famine is imminent in northern Gaza, a coalition of UN agencies and aid groups has warned. Others say that it has already arrived. No natural disaster has occurred; this is an entirely human-made fam- ine, resulting from Israel’s military offensive in response to the Hamas atrocities on 7 October, and the curbs on aid. Josep Borrell, the EU for- eign affairs chief, has accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war. The UN human rights office said that the restrictions on aid might amount to a war crime. “Thousands of hunger-related deaths are likely baked into the trajecto- ry already. Whether that becomes tens of thousands will depend on the actions the [US government] takes now,” wrote Jeremy Konyndyk, the president of Refugees International and a former official in the Biden administration. Last week, Joe Biden declared that an offensive on Rafah would be a “red line”. But the US president added that he would “never leave Israel”, and that “there’s no red line I’m going to cut off all weapons”. The US is trying to work around Benjamin Netanyahu, or in the hope of his departure. Democratic politicians are becoming increasingly and vocally critical of the Israeli prime minister. But conspicuous frustration won’t save Palestinians. The US should make it clear that while it embraces Israel’s right and duty to protect its citizens, military aid is conditional on protecting civilians 474 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE in Gaza. The priorities must be a ceasefire and the release of hostages, and the facilitation of a huge quantity of aid, and the traffic of commer- cial goods, including through the opening of more crossings. Many lives will be lost, whatever happens. But many more could still, and must, be saved. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 475 UNITED KINGDOM WORLD COURT ORDERS ISRAEL TO TAKE ACTION TO ADDRESS GAZA FAMINE Publisher : Reuters Date : 28.03.2024 Country : United Kingdom Author : Stephanie van den Berg Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary Judges at the International Court of Justice on Thursday unanimously ordered Israel to take all the necessary and effective action to ensure ba- sic food supplies arrive without delay to the Palestinian population in Gaza. The ICJ said the Palestinians in Gaza face worsening conditions of life, and famine and starvation are spreading. The judges added that this could be done “by increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points and maintaining them open for as long as necessary”. The court ordered Israel to submit a report in a month after the order to detail how it had given effect to the ruling. 476 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL JUST LEAVE, NETANYAHU Publisher : Haaretz Date : 7 November 2023 Country : Israel Author : Editorial Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has returned to his evil ways, in- citing and sowing destruction. If in normal times this behavior poisons society and the systems of the state, in wartime it places Israel in exis- tential danger. On Sunday, it was reported that Netanyahu believes that the calls earlier this year for military reservists to refuse to serve should be investigated as a possible factor in the decision of the head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Yahya Sinwar, to launch the terrorist attack on October 7. There is no plausible explanation for the prime minister’s statements during the most difficult moments in the history of the state. Netanyahu is like the scorpion in the fable of the scorpion and the frog: It’s simply his nature. Apparently, 1,400 deaths were not enough for him, 240 hostages have no effect on him, thousands of Israelis who became refugees in their own country and entire communities that were destroyed – through all this, he remains the same. As always, he incites, thinks about himself, defends his post and worries only about his own future. Netanyahu is interfering with the state’s defense of itself from the di- saster that he, in his indescribable nihilism, brought down on it. His be- havior at this difficult time adds insult to injury. We must not become accustomed to this unhealthy pattern of behavior in wartime. We must not allow him to stay in power as if it were divine decree. The political establishment must find a way to put an end to Netanyahu’s malignant rule. The price that Israel will pay for his continued reign is too high. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 477 SWITZERLAND GAZA HAS BECOME THE WORLD’S LARGEST CHILDREN’S CEMETERY Publisher : Tages-Anzeiger Date : 22.01.2024 Country : Switzerland Author : Enver Robelli, Vincenzo Capodici Translated in : Bern Translation Type : Summary --More than 10,000 Children Killed-- At only 365 square kilometers, Gaza is slightly larger than the canton of Schaffhausen. Even before the start of the last war, this landmass was considered one of the most densely populated areas in the world. More than half of its 2.2 million inhabitants are children and young people. According to United Nations figures, the war has left more than one and a half million people in Gaza internally displaced. Robert Pape of the University of Chicago told US media that it was “one of the most intense acts of civilian punishment in history”. Among other things, Pape re- searches political extremism in the Middle East. After more than three months of fighting, an end to the war does not seem imminent. In late November, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly warned the Israeli government that it risked losing the mor- al high ground with its “scorched earth” offensive. Six weeks later, the Washington Post recently reported that the number of civilian casualties had fallen only slightly. The calls have been largely ineffective. In a report, the children’s charity Save the Children estimates that more than 10,000 children have been killed in the first hundred days of the Gaza war, more than a week into the fighting. More than a hundred chil- dren die every day: Gaza is now the world’s largest children’s cemetery. Thousands more are injured or missing. Since the beginning of October, more than a thousand children have lost limbs. Doctors often have to amputate limbs without anesthesia. 478 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE According to US intelligence agencies, almost half of the bombs used by Israel against Hamas are uncontrolled. The so-called collateral damage is correspondingly high. The army uses this useless term to trivialize the deaths of uninvolved civilians. The high number of civilian deaths is also due to the behavior of Hamas, which uses its own people, their homes and other civilian facilities as a protective shield. Swiss diplomat Philippe Lazzarini recently wrote the following about the Gaza war: “Mass death, destruction, displacement, hunger, loss and grief have stained the humanity we all share.” He is the head of the Unit- ed Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 479 ITALY UN REPORT: MORE THAN HALF A MILLION PEOPLE ARE DYING OF HUNGER IN GAZA Publisher : Rai News Date : 21.12.2023 Country : Italy Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary More than half a million people in Gaza - a quarter of the population - are starving because of the “woefully inadequate” amount of food that has entered the territory since the Israeli army responded to a Hamas at- tack on October 7. A report published by the UN and other organizations shows this. The report highlights the humanitarian crisis in Gaza after more than ten weeks of relentless shelling and fighting. Arif Husain, Chief Economist for the United Nations World Food Pro- gram, said, “It can’t get any worse. I’ve never seen what’s happening in Gaza on this scale and at this speed. It’s happened in just two months.” 480 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ITALY ISRAEL ACCUSED OF GENOCIDE Publisher : Corriere della Sera Date : 12.01.2024 Country : Italy Author : Francesco Battistini Translated in : Rome Translation Type : Broad Summary --The Case Against the Jewish State at the Court in The Hague... Netanyahu’s Rage: “The World Turned Upside Down”-- The conflict in the Middle East is widening. Last night, a joint US-UK airstrike was launched against Houthi positions in Yemen. A genocide trial against Israel has begun at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. “Hamas’ aggression does not justify starvation and destruction,” South Africa charges. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s comment is harsh: “We are witnessing a world turned upside down.” --US Airstrike in Yemen-- “It is a moral duty to bring this case because we cannot stand by and watch a genocide.” (South African President Cyrill Ramaphosa) “This is the Dreyfus case of the 21st century.” (former Israeli Prime Minister Naf- tali Bennett). What is certain is that this is an unprecedented case: For the first time, Israel agrees to defend itself in the context of the case, not from it. The accusation is extremely serious: Genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. The preliminary hearing will last two days, giving each side (first South Africa and then Israel) three hours. Pretoria’s Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said: “No attack on a state, no matter how serious, justifies a vi- olation of international law. The demolitions against the Palestinians did not start on October 7, they have been going on for 76 years.” Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu responded by saying: “We are witnessing a world turned upside down: Israel is accused of genocide, when in fact it REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 481 is fighting genocide, the most horrific crime since the Holocaust, and a terrorist organization that commits it against the Jewish people.” The case will drag on for years and, although it will lead to a punishment for Israel, it is unlikely to have any tangible impact: So far it has had no tangible impact, despite the fact that The Hague Tribunal is a respected institution and has uttered the ultimate unassailable words that interna- tional diplomacy has not forgotten. What Netanyahu fears, however, is not a genocide verdict: it is an im- mediate crackdown on the bombardments. According to Hamas, 23,357 Palestinians (60 percent women and children) have been killed, 59,410 wounded, eight thousand missing, one million 900,000 homeless, 142 UN officials and at least 80 journalists killed, three out of four hospitals hit, 380 mosques and three churches destroyed, 70 percent of homes uninhabitable, no access to food or water. While waiting to determine whether all this is genocide or “just” war, South Africa (and Erdoğan’s Türkiye, which has joined the revelations) is asking the Court to impose “urgent precautionary measures” at least until the end of February. In any case, Netanyahu may not even have to comply with such a ruling. At most, he may be subject to a few international sanctions. 482 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ITALY OXFAM: 250 PEOPLE A DAY IN GAZA BEING KILLED, THE BLOODIEST CONFLICT Publisher : Rai News Date : 12.01.2024 Country: Italy Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary The daily death toll in Gaza is higher than in any major conflict of the 21st century. Oxfam explained this in a memo. The memo, published by Al Jazeera, said, “The Israeli army is killing an average of 250 Palestinians a day. This far exceeds the daily death toll of any major conflict in recent years.” The international humanitarian organization provided a list of the aver- age daily death toll in various conflicts since the turn of the century: 96.5 in Syria, 51.6 in Sudan, 50.8 in Iraq, 43.9 in Ukraine, 23.8 in Afghanistan and 15.8 in Yemen. Oxfam reiterated that the lives of Palestinians in Gaza are at risk from hunger, disease and cold, as well as Israeli shelling, with only 10 percent of the food needed entering the territory. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 483 6.3. Rallies in Support of Palestine and Protests Against Israel Around the World UNITED STATES ISRAEL’S GAZA OFFENSIVE STIRS A WAVE OF GLOBAL PROTEST Publisher : The Washington Post Date : 29 October 2023 Country : United States Author : Ishaan Tharoor Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary As Israel escalated its campaign against Hamas, a terrifying silence fell over Gaza: An expanded Israeli ground assault that commenced Friday saw phone and Wi-Fi access largely shut off. By Sunday morning, it seemed that connectivity had been somewhat restored, though death toll grew larger. The Health Ministry in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas but has been a reliable source of data on casualties in the past, said 8,005 people had been killed so far, including 3,324 children. More than 20,000 people have been injured. A lot of noise was made on Gaza’s behalf before and during the week- end. Across the world, protesters calling for a cease-fire have taken to the streets. The aggregate figure of participants for all the demonstrations is hard to gauge, but it could well be in the millions. Demonstrators marched at the heart of London and in Rome, and in de- fiance of bans on pro-Palestinian gatherings in Paris. In Beirut, Bagh- dad and Cairo, huge crowds descended on the main thoroughfares. They chanted slogans outside the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and burned U.S. and Israeli flags in Karachi, Pakistan. Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside parliament buildings from Oslo to Welling- ton, New Zealand’s capital. 484 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The weekend’s rallies varied in tone and message. Turkish President Re- cep Tayyip Erdoğan held a massive event in Istanbul on Saturday, with hundreds of thousands waving both Palestinian and Turkish flags. He reiterated remarks that have cratered Israeli-Turkish relations, branding Israel “an occupier” and insisting that Hamas was “not a terrorist orga- nization” — never mind the grisly carnage its militants unleashed three weekends ago. In the southern Indian state of Kerala, former Hamas leader Khaled Me- shal beamed virtually into an event hosted by a radical, largely Muslim organization, linking the struggles against right-wing Hindu national- ism and “apartheid Zionism.” A pro-Palestinian rally in the city of Kozhi- kode attracted a crowd of roughly 100,000 people. In the West, political leaders and commentators have watched with concern the growing prevalence of antisemitic slogans and rhetoric at some demonstrations, bristling at the perceived reluctance of activists, especially on university campuses, to denounce Hamas for its evident war crimes and atrocities. In Europe, some governments have moved to either ban outright pro-Palestinian protests or censor imagery linked to the Palestinian cause, including the Palestinian flag. But the overwhelm- ing message from the major demonstrations has been centered on the plight of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 485 UNITED STATES SOUTH AFRICA MARCH DEMANDS A PERMANENT GAZA CEASE-FIRE ON DAY OF SOLIDARITY PALESTINIANS Publisher : AP Date : 29 November 2023 Country : United States Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary Members of South African political parties, civil society organisa- tions and supporters marched through the streets of Johannesburg on Wednesday, demanding a permanent cease-fire in Gaza as they marked the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. Rival political parties, including African National Congress and leftist opposition Economic Freedom Fighters, gathered at the Nelson Mande- la Bridge to protest Israel’s military offensive in Gaza against Hamas. President Cyril Ramaphosa and many other politicians have compared Israel’s policies in Gaza and the West Bank with South Africa’s past apartheid regime of racial segregation. As several other protests were planned around South Africa, veteran an- ti-apartheid activist Ronnie Kasrils called for the boycott and isolation of Israel over the current war. 486 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE UNITED STATES PROTESTERS BLOCK ROADS ACROSS THE U.S. TO SUPPORT THOSE IN GAZA Publisher : The New York Times Date : 15 April 2024 Country : United States Author : Colbi Edmonds Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Broad Summary Pro-Palestinian protesters shut down traffic on Monday morning in cit- ies across the country, part of a global effort to disrupt economies and pressure world leaders to push for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. In California, protesters chained themselves to barrels and blocked lanes on northbound in Oakland, while another group of demonsrators carry- ing banners disrupted southbound traffic. On the Golden Gate Bridge, protesters obstructed traffic in both directions, with some carrying a banner that read “Stop the World for Gaza.” The disruptions did not just affect drivers. In Chicago, protesters on I-190 blocked traffic coming into O’Hare International Airport, and passen- gers who had already arrived started walking on foot with their luggage to catch their flights. The airport announced on the social media plat- form X that there were substantial delays and encouraged passengers to use alternative transportation. By mid morning, traffic was moving into O’Hare again, according to the airport. In San Antonia, protesters carrying Palestinian flags blocked both sides of the Valero energy company headquarters, jamming traffic on the city’s northwest side. In New York City on Monday afternoon, hundreds of protesters blocked traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge, and the police ar- rested some demonstrators. And in Philadelphia, pro-Palestinian protesters organized a teach-in that blocked rush-hour traffic. Others led a funeral-like procession of cars on Interstate 95, and a third group gathered outside City Hall, calling on REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 487 local leadership to stop sending millions of dollars to Israel. They also made their way to Day & Zimmermann headquarters, which organizers said supplies weapons to Israel, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The protestes were part of A15 Action, a solidarity agreement to “identi- fy and blockage major choke points” that would cause the most econom- ic impact, according to its website. 488 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE GERMANY NEARLY 100,000 PEOPLE ATTEND PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTEST IN LONDON Publisher : DPA Date : 28 October 2023 Country : Germany Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Broad Summary Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators called for an immedi- ate ceasefire in the Gaza war and solidarity with the Palestinians at a wide- spread demonstration in London. On Saturday, many of the demonstrators carried banners and placards with messages of support for the Palestinians. The PA news agency reported 100,000 people were estimated to have attended demonstrations. The photos show a huge crowd. Videos cir- culating on social media showed the crowd moving slowly through the center of the British capital. Larger rallies were also organized in other British cities such as Manchester and Glasgow. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 489 Pro-Palestinian demonstrations were also organized in various cities in Germany. However, these demonstrations did not come close to the number of participants in London. The largest rally took place in Berlin with several thousand participants. According to the PA news agency, demonstrators again shouted the con- troversial slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”. United Kingdom Home Secretary Suella Braverman criticized the slogan as an- ti-Semitic and said it was understood by many as a call for the destruc- tion of Israel. The slogan referred to Israel’s territory from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. United Kingrom Foreign Secretary James Cleverly urged protesters to be wary of disinformation and manipulation. Saying this, Cleverly was re- sponding to reports that Iran was trying to inflame the mood at the ral- lies and sow discord. Cleverly said it was entirely possible to support the Palestinian people and at the same time condemn the Islamist Hamas. 490 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE GERMANY PEOPLE IN JORDAN AND PAKISTAN BOYCOTT U.S. BRANDS TO CRITICISE ISRAELI POLICY Publisher : Frankfurter Rundschau-Internet Date : 3 November 2023 Country : Germany Author : Sandra Kathe Translated in : Berlin Translation Type : Broad Summary --Some Countries Call for Boycotts of US Brands Like Coca Cola Due to the War in the Gaza Strip… Technology Companies Affected by Boycott— Since the beginning of the war in Israel, people in many Muslim-majori- ty countries have been taking to the streets for weeks to protest against U.S. policies. Calls for boycotts of U.S. brands such as Coca-Cola and Mc- Donald’s ensure that the protest is also economically effective. For example, French broadcaster France24 showed footage from the Jor- danian capital Amman of empty branches of U.S. franchising companies such as Starbucks and McDonald’s, which have had almost no custom- ers for weeks. Some snack and shop operators have also removed U.S. products such as Coca-Cola from their ranges and replaced them with local products. People are also organizing demonstrates in Jordan to show their soli- darity with the people of the Gaza Strip. What triggered the boycott calls was not only widespread criticism of statements by U.S. President Biden, who has repeatedly assured Israel of U.S. support and solidarity despite Israel’s life-threatening blockade of the Gaza Strip that has left many ci- vilians in danger. Reuters news agency also reported reactions to the U.S. McDonald’s’ franchise restaurants in Israel distributing free meals to members of the Israeli army and sharing them on social media. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 491 In response, there have been calls to boycott the brand in other Mus- lim-majority countries such as Pakistan, Reuters reported. Following the announcement of the campaign in Israel, franchises in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Türkiye distanced themselves from the free supply of military members in Israel, with many emphasizing their solidarity with the people of Gaza. --U.S. Companies’ Criticize Israel Policy: Tech Companies Under Scruti- ny Too-- According to a report in the New York Times, U.S. technology companies such as Linkedin and Facebook group Meta are also subject to heavy criticism almost everyday. Recently, there have been almost daily debate about freedom of expression on many social media platforms. One of the triggers was a warning from Linkedin to a pro-Israel site that accused thousands of people of publishing pro-terrorist content. However, no pro-Hamas content was posted, only concerns about the humanitarian situation of civilians in the Gaza Strip. Since the beginning of the war, countless fake news, propaganda posts and conspiracy theories have been circulating, especially on social me- dia, and companies have responded them in very different ways. Accord- ing to the Wall Street Journal, Meta is struggling to cope with hate and propaganda comments, while according to news magazine Stern, the short message service X (formerly Twitter) also provides fertile ground for fake news and half-truths. Additionally, users of the video platform Tiktok have repeatedly reported suspicious, false and anti-Semitic con- tent. 492 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE GERMANY WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST: PUBLIC BOYCOTT Publisher : Süddeutsche Zeitung-Internet Date : 12 February 2024 Country : Germany Author : Bernd Dörries Translated in : Berlin Translation Type : Broad Summary --American Products Are Stigmatized in the Arab World. Victims Often Local Retailers-- McDonald’s restaurant in the capital of Qatar is beautifully located with palm trees and sea views. The boycott is hurting the wrong people. Own- er of the restaurant is a local person. It doesn’t help. The tables remain empty, just like many other shops in the Middle East and North Africa. From Morocco to Iraq, many people have stopped buying U.S. products in protest against U.S. and European support for Israel. In Türkiye, AKP Youth Branch members sit in Star- bucks cafes and ask customers why they drink the blood of Palestinians. Egypt has developed an app that can be used to buy local products. This is not a a large-scale campaign. A small scale campaign, which Egyptians have a Facebook page for sharing lists of brands such as Pepsi and Starbucks, Burger King and Nestle water from neutral Switzerland. But it is not taken that seriously. Calls for economic boycott have long been part of the Palestinian issue. The latest wave of boycotts is unorganized, but a silent protest with huge impact. A few days ago, McDonald’s announced that the protest had “significantly impacted” sales and its share price had fallen by four per cent. Although McDonald’s is being managed from the U.S., many restaurants are owned by local franchises. Some Israeli branches even serves free meals to Israeli soldiers after Hamas terrorism. Yet other at- tempts at distancing have also failed: franshises in Saudi Arabia, Oman, REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 493 Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain and Türkiye have collectively donated more than three million dollars to support the Palestinians. However, sales remained weak. 494 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE FRANCE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR… MORE THAN A THOUSAND ANTI- SEMITIC DEMONSTRATIONS ORGANIZED IN FRANCE SINCE OCTOBER 7TH Publisher : AFP Date : 5 November 2023 Country : France Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary The French government announced on Sunday that there has been an “explosion” in the number of anti-Semitic protests in the country since the start of the war on October 7th between Hamas and Israel , with 1.040 protest events and 486 people detained. “There has been an explosion in the number of anti-Semitic demonstra- tions,” Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on the evening news on France 2. Darmanin added that “102” of the 486 people detained were foreigners. Paris Police Department Chief Laurent Nunez also said on Sunday that 257 anti-Semitic demonstrations were organized in Paris region and 90 people detained. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 495 UNITED KINGDOM PROTESTERS MARCH IN MAJOR CITIES TO DEMAND GAZA CEASEFIRE Publisher : Reuters Date : 5 November 2023 Country : United Kingdom Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary Pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged protests in London, Berlin, Paris, Ankara, Istanbul and Washington on Saturday to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and castigate Israel after its military intensified its assault against Hamas. In London, television footage showed large crowds holding sit-down protests blocking parts of the city centre, before marching to Trafalgar Square. Protesters held “Freedom for Palestine” placards and chanted “ceasefire now” and “in our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestinians”. Thousands of protesters marched down the streets of Washington wav- ing Palestinian flags, some chanting “Biden, Biden you cannot hide, you signed up for genocide,” before congregating at Freedom Plaza, steps away from the White House. Speakers denounced President Joe Biden’s support of Israel, declaring “you have blood on your hands.” In central Paris, capital city of France, thousands marched to call for a ceasefire with placards reading “Stop the cycle of violence” and “To do nothing, to say nothing is to be complicit.” It was one of the first, big gatherings in support of Palestinians to be le- gally allowed in Paris since the Hamas attack. French authorities had banned some previous pro-Palestinian gather- ings due to concerns about public disorder. 496 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In Berlin, demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, demanding a ceasefire. Hundreds of protesters gathered in Istanbul and Ankara, a day before a visit to Türkiye by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken for talks on Gaza. Türkiye, which has sharply criticised Israel and Western countries as the humanitarian crisis has intensified in Gaza, supports a two-state solu- tion and hosts members of Hamas. In Istanbul’s Sarachane park, protesters held banners saying “Blinken, the accomplice of the massacre, go away from Türkiye,” with a picture of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blinken together with a red “X” mark on it. “Children are dying, babies are dying there, being bombed,” said 45-year- old teacher Gulsum Alpay. Footage from Ankara showed protesters gathered near the U.S. Embassy, chanting slogans and holding posters which read: “Israel bombs hospi- tals, Biden pays for it.” REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 497 SPAIN THOUSANDS IN MADRID PROTEST AGAINST ISRAEL’S “GENOCIDE” OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE Publisher : Europa Press Date : 15 October 2023 Country : Spain Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Full Text Thousands of people attended the demonstration held at 18:00 at Ato- cha station in Madrid in support of the Palestinian people and to protest Israel’s “genocide” against Palestinian civilians, especially in the Gaza Strip. According to information provided by police sources to Europa Press, which gathered 9,000 people and ended at Madrid’s Puerta del Sol under the slogan “Not in our name”, saw crowds of protesters waving Palestin- ian flags and carrying banners demanding peace and respect for human rights. “This is not a war, it is genocide!” “How many more must die?” “The U.S. protects, the EU complains, and Israel destroys and kills” were some of the slogans shared at the march. On the other hand, “Long live the strug- gle of the Palestinian people” or “Israel, the murderer!” It was said. Before the protest began, Sumar MP and Mas Pais leader Inigo Errejon said that Israel should stop the “ethnic cleansing carried out in Gaza” and the “bombings of civilians”. He called for “the only viable solution” that includes “the end of apartheid, the end of the occupation and the recognition of the State of Palestine”. Errejon considers the step taken by Pedro Sanchez’s administration to force the EU to send humanitarian aid to Palestine as “good”, but be- lieves that “it is not enough” and necessary to call Israel “immediately” stop bombing the Gaza Strip and “civilians”. 498 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE He also criticized Ursula von der Leyen, President of European Commis- sion, and Roberta Metsola, President of European Parliament, for their meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. According to the Sumar MP, the attitude of both leaders is “absolutely shameful” while “civilians are being massacred”. According to him, “being on the side of peace does not mean posing for photos with those who threaten to genocide”. In a message on the social network, Yolanda Díaz, leader of Sumar, wel- comed Madrid’s take to the streets “in solidarity with the Palestinian people” and called for an end to “this barbarism”. “A peace agreement and the recognition of Palestine as a free state is necessary,” she added. -- “Netanyahu should be sent to the International Criminal Court”-- Podemos spokesperson Isa Serra also attended the demonstration and asked Sanchez to “stop being complicit” with the Government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and take Netanyahu to the Interna- tional Criminal Court (ICC). In her statement to the media before demonstration, Serra said, “Net- anyahu, like the Government of Spain, should be brought to the Inter- national Criminal Court for war crimes committed against the civilian population in Gaza.” She also asked the European Commission to “stop being complicit in genocide.” When asked whether there was a disagreement within the government over the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Podemos spokesman argued that her party had a “clear position” against “the war crimes committed by Netanyahu and the State of Israel against the people of Gaza.” Podemos General Secretary and Deputy Minister of Social Rights Ione Belarra emphasized that the streets of the capital were “filled” with “dig- nity” and called for “an end to the State of Israel’s planned genocide of Palestinians”. “The streets of Madrid filled with dignity today to call for an end to the genocide planned by the State of Israel against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Free Palestine,” the leader of Podemos said in a message on social network X. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 499 --Spain Should Demand Implementation of International Law-- Among the protesters was Enrique Santiago, spokesperson for Izquier- da Unida (IU) in Congress and Cordoba MP for Sumar, who denounced the “actual ethnic cleansing” in Gaza, a “collective punishment” of more than two million people. “Crimes are being committed, the situation in the Middle East is really worse than in recent years, the international community needs to inter- vene, the violence must stop, all violence must stop immediately,” Santi- ago told Europa Press. Santiago, who is also the leader of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE), emphasized the importance of Spain demanding compliance with Inter- national Law and the “immediate cessation” of attacks against civilians. He also asked the government led by Pedro Sonchez to encourage Israel to continue negotiations in accordance with United Nations resolutions “to end the occupation.” 500 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ITALY GOOGLE EMPLOYEES ARE AGAINST THE DEALS WITH ISRAEL: “NO BUSINESS WITH GENOCIDE” Publisher : Rai News Date : 17 April 2024 Country : Italy Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary Dozens of Google employees stormed the tech giant’s headquarters in California to protest the company’s decision to sign a deal worth more than a billion dollars with the Israeli government. Chanting pro-Pales- tinian solgans and wearing traditional Arab head-dresses, the employ- ees also used social media platforms X and Twitch to share images and document their protest in live videos. Activists gathered in a group called “No Tech for Apartheid” read leaflets accusing Google of doing business with “genocide perpetrators” by bombing the Gaza Strip and demand- ing Google to cancel its participation in “Project Nimbus”, a $1,2 billion deal involving Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services. Another group occupied the tenth floor of Google’s Manhattan headquarters in protest. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 501 6.4. Press Reflections of the National and International Support for Palestine by Scientific, Cultural, Artistic and Sports Communities and Activists HÜRRİYET Publisher: Newspaper Date:22 October 2023 Country: Türkiye Page:1 Circulation: 185655 StxCm: 317,34 Hollywood Revolted Too 502 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE AKŞAM Publisher: Newspaper Date: 7 November 2023 Country: Türkiye Page: 2 Circulation: 98985 StxCm: 96,2 Massacres Hurt Us Deeply REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 503 YENİ ŞAFAK Publisher: Newspaper Date: 19 October 2023 Country: Türkiye Page: 18 Circulation: 75528 StxCm: 199,84 We Will Not Be Silent Against The Massacre 504 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE YENİ ŞAFAK Publisher: Newspaper Date: 19 October 2023 Country: Türkiye Page: 2 Circulation: 75528 StxCm: 249,1 The Art World Was Outraged… The World Should Not Be A Bystander To Genocide REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 505 AKŞAM Publisher: Newspaper Date: 20 October 2023 Country: Türkiye Page: 17 Circulation: 98985 StxCm: 160,54 Netanyahu Must Be Prosecuted 506 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE HÜRRİYET Publisher: Newspaper Date:8 November2023 Country: Türkiye Page:20 Circulation: 185655 StxCm: 219,31 Her Only Crime Was To Oppose The Massacre REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 507 HÜRRİYET KELEBEK Publisher: Newspaper Date: 8 November 2023 Country: Türkiye Page:1 Circulation: 185655 StxCm: 27,53 I Stand With Palestine 508 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE POSTA Publisher: Newspaper Date: : 7 November 2023 Country: Türkiye Page:1 Circulation: 105003 StxCm: 21,05 Symbol Of Resistance Ahed Tamimi Detained REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 509 TÜRKİYE Publisher: Newspaper Date:7 November2023 Country: Türkiye Page:16 Circulation: 107179 StxCm: 49,7 Replaced With an Israeli Model… Dior Fires Bella Hadid For Supporting Palestine 510 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE KARAR Publisher: Newspaper Date:9 November 2023 Country: Türkiye Page:2 Circulation: 50610 StxCm: 75,08 Movie Stars Appeal to the President of the United States… “Allow Humanitarian Aid to Gaza” REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 511 DENMARK SCIENTISTS CALL FOR BOYCOTT OF ISRAELI RESEARCH UNTIL THE END OF THE OCCUPATION OF PALESTINE Publisher: Information Date : 15 November 2023 Country: Denmark Author: Bo Elkjær Translated in: Ankara Translation Type: Summary --Hundreds of researchers and academic staff from across the Nordic countries have issued a joint statement calling for the free passage of emergency aid to Gaza, a ceasefire and an end to the occupation Today, Information is launching a statement of solidarity from 939 re- searchers and academic staff from across the Nordic countries calling for a ceasefire and an end to the occupation of Gaza. Expressing “deep sorrow” for the Palestinian and Israeli civilians killed since 7 October, the statement said: “We cannot watch in silence as the Israeli state kills thousands of Palestinian civilians in front of our eyes.” In the statement, researchers and academic staff, Scandinavian univer- sities and academic institutes are urged to “remain silent until Israel ends its war against Gaza and ends its illegal occupation and apartheid rule in Palestine”. calls on them to join the boycott of Israeli academic institutions”. The joint declaration also calls on Nordic governments “to recognise Pal- estine as a sovereign nation state, to support the decolonisation of the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel and to end Israel’s apartheid system”. 512 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE SABAHLA GÜNAYDIN Publisher: Newspaper Date:17 November2023 Country: Türkiye Page:1 Circulation: 179341 StxCm: 120,79 Halsey Will Help Gaza REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 513 HÜRRİYET Publisher: Newspaper Date:17 November2023 Country: Türkiye Page:20 Circulation: 185655 Famous Actors Call For Palestine 514 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE AKŞAM Publisher: Newspaper Date:20 November 2023 Country: Türkiye Page:19 Circulation: 98985 StxCm: 27,09 Kyrie Stand With Palestine REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 515 YENİ ŞAFAK Publisher: Newspaper Date:23 November 2023 Country: Türkiye Page:2 Circulation: 75528 StxCm: 220,56 Palestinian Embargo On Actors 516 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE TÜRKİYE Publisher: Newspaper Date:24 November 2023 Country: Türkiye Page:6 Circulation: 107179 StxCm: 23,07 Stop the Guns... Four Thousand Musicians Call for a Ceasefire REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 517 YENİ ŞAFAK Publisher: Newspaper Date:12 December 2023 Country: Türkiye Page:2 Circulation: 75528 StxCm: 152,87 We Will Not Stand By And Watch This Genocide 518 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE MİLLİ GAZETE Publisher: Newspaper Date:20 December 2023 Country: Türkiye Page:13 Circulation: 21654 StxCm: 233,55 Famous Actor Could Not Remain Silent For Gaza REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 519 HÜRRİYET KELEBEK Publisher: Newspaper Date:22 December 2023 Country: Türkiye Page:1 Circulation: 185655 StxCm: 207,1 Songs For Gaza 520 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE MİLAT Publisher: Newspaper Date:6 January 2024 Country: Türkiye Page:15 Circulation: 50352 StxCm: 243 Salah Shines On The Pitch With His Goals And Off The Pitch With His Support For Gaza REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 521 KARAR Publisher: Newspaper Date:20 January 2024 Country: Türkiye Page:2 Circulation: 50610 StxCm: 168,41 Filmmakers Unite For Palestine At Sundance 522 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL HOLLYWOOD STARS CALL FOR A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA AT AN ANTI-ISRAEL PROTEST AT THE SUNDANCE FESTIVAL Publisher: Times of Israel Date : 22 January 2024 Country: Israel Translated in: Ankara Translation Type: Summary Hundreds of anti-Israel protesters, including film and television stars, gathered in freezing temperatures at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, calling for a ceasefire, local media reported. The protest, organised by the Utah League in Solidarity with Palestinians and supported by the Salt Lake City Armed Queers, sent messages to arts organisers as well as artists and designers. There was no violence at the event. The groups organising the protest wrote in an Instagram post on 12 Jan- uary, “The Palestinian people continue to use art as a method of resis- tance against the Israeli occupation. From paintings and graffiti on the Apartheid wall separating the occupied territories to songs and poems, Palestinians have used their pens as weapons. They showed us hope and determination.” According to media reports, stars Melissa Barrera and Indya Moore, who were in Park City to attend the premieres of their new films “Ponyboi” and “Your Monster” respectively, also joined the protests. Barrera, the star of the fifth and sixth films in the “Scream” series, was dropped from the cast of the seventh film in November by producers who said they had “zero tolerance for antisemitism and incitement to hatred”. Barrera had condemned what he described as “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 523 YENİ ŞAFAK Publisher: Newspaper Date: 12 March 2024 Country: Türkiye Page: 2 Circulation: 75528 StxCm: 207,98 Oscars Was Marked By Gaza 524 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE TAKVİM Publisher: Newspaper Date:22 March 2024 Country: Türkiye Page:1 Formula 1 Legend Sir Lewis Hamilton: Sending My Love And Support To Palestine REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 525 MALAYSIA 20 ACTIVISTS JOIN THE FREEDOM FLOTILLA MISSION TO GAZA Publisher: Bernama Date : 17 April 2024 Country: Malaysia Translated in: Kuala Lumpur Translation Type: Full Text The humanitarian aid mission Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which is expected to leave Istanbul, will be joined by 20 activists from Malay- sia. Datuk Seri Dr. Kamal Nashruddin Mustapha, President of Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCare), said that activists will all gather in Istanbul on April 18 and will make the final preparations for the Break the Siege of Gaza Freedom Flotilla mission. “The three ships that will set sail on April 28 include a 5,000-ton cargo ship and two passenger ships that can carry 1,000 people. They will car- ry emergency humanitarian supplies, including emergency medical aid, food packages, clothing, shelter tents and eight ambulances.”, Mustapha told a press conference at MyCare’s head office today. He said among the selected 20 Malaysian activists there are media prac- titioners, doctors and human rights activists. One of the participants, Dr. Fauziah Hassan, said he hoped the mission would achieve its goal of reducing the burden borne by the people of Gaza. “We hope that all the aid will reach Gaza safely because what they need is really their basic needs,” said the activist, who has participated in three previous humanitarian missions to Gaza. Meanwhile, Bernama TV correspondent Muhammad Hafizuddin Mohd Yusof said that they will make the best use of this opportunity to show the real situation of the people of Gaza, who are under the pressure of 526 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israel regime. Yusof said, “Going to Gaza is not an opportunity for every- one, I want to emphasize the situation here. Previous aid was delivered by air, but now we will try to deliver it directly. We want to see what the atmosphere is like there. Our concern is how to convey the situation and the atmosphere.” Muhammad Hafizuddin and cameraman Mohammad Nulhakim Jailan will participate in this mission representing Bernama and will also be among the official media partners. Barrera, the star of the fifth and sixth films in the “Scream” series, was dropped from the cast of the seventh film in November by producers who said they had “zero tolerance for antisemitism and incitement to hatred”. Barrera had condemned what he described as “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 527 6.5. Israel’s Systematic Disinformation Campaigns and Türkiye’s Struggle for Truth (DMM Bulletins) The Centre for Combating Disinformation (DMM) of the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications has actively fought against Israel’s dis- information campaigns to justify its genocide against the Palestinian people. Since October 7, more than 200 Israeli lies, which are the prod- uct of these disinformation campaigns, have been exposed, and these lies on social media and in Western media have been debunked with documents. The truth about false claims is published in six languages to counter propaganda that legitimizes Israel’s crimes. The Center’s his- toric struggle received widespread coverage in the national and interna- tional press. Furthermore, many social media accounts used by Israel to spread pro- paganda were exposed and brought to the attention of the global public. Claims about trade between Türkiye and Israel were debunked and the national media was briefed on these claims. Nine “Special Disinforma- tion Bulletins on Palestine” have been released, outlining Israel’s lies in great detail. These bulletins have also been compiled into a single book in Turkish and English, which has been distributed to the public as well as representatives from national and international media organizations. Information has been provided on the structure, history and just cause of Palestine and it has been emphasized that Türkiye’s struggle against Israeli lies will continue uninterruptedly. 528 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE - REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 529 530 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 531 532 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 533 534 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 535 536 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 537 538 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 539 540 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 541 542 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 543 544 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 545 546 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 547 548 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 549 550 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 551 6.6. Reflections of Support for Palestine in the Turkish Press How Many More Children Will Die? 552 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE We Will Not Give Up on the Palestinian Cause REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 553 Historic Reprimand From Erdoğan: I’m Not Going to Israel 554 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Why Is The World Just Watching? REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 555 Be Human For Once 556 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Massacre Media REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 557 We May Come Suddenly One Night 558 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE A Clear Message To Murderous Israel And The West: We Are Not Dead Yet REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 559 You Will Lose No Matter What You Do 560 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Israel, The Butcher of Humans REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 561 We Will Announce Israel’s Barbarity To The World 562 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE A Bomb Attack to TRT Team By The Genocider REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 563 Gaza Letter To Pope From President Erdoğan 564 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Erdoğan’s Diplomacy Traffic… Gaza is Again the Priority During Ramadan REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 565 6.7. Countries Taking a Pro-Israel Stance and Press Reflections USA IN EMBRACE OF ISRAEL’S WAR, BIDEN PROVOKES ARAB AND MUSLIM BACKLASH Publisher : The Washington Post Date : 3 November 2023 Country : USA Author : Ishaan Tharoor Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary The Biden administration championed Israel’s right to defend itself as it saw fit. In multiple speeches, Biden made clear there was no daylight between the United States and Israel and unveiled plans to boost U.S. military aid to the Jewish state by billions of dollars. Unlike leaders and diplomats in other parts of the world, U.S. officials were more subdued in their expressions of concern for the civilians killed amid relentless Israeli aerial bombardments. Biden enraged many when he appeared to dismiss the Gaza death toll as unreliable, given the domineering role played by Hamas over the territory’s institutions. For many onlookers in the United States and elsewhere, Biden’s more recent gestures toward equivocation -including his rhetorical support for a “pause”- are too late. An astonishing poll among Arab Americans published Tuesday found that backing for Biden and Democrats has cratered since Oct. 7. Arab American favorability for Biden stood at 59 percent in 2020, but has now slumped to a stunning 17 percent. For the first time since the 1997 inception of the poll, conducted by John Zogby Strategies and commissioned by the Arab American Institute, a majority of Arab Americans do not identify as Democrats. That spells trouble for Biden in the upcoming election year, given the concentration of Arab American voters in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Speaking at a Tuesday panel that I moderated, 566 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Maya Berry, executive director of the Arab American Institute, pointed to how the poll showed significant majorities of Arab Americans con- cerned with mounting antisemitism and Islamophobia in the country, and indicated that Arab American attitudes may reflect a broader Amer- ican mainstream position. Other polls suggest a majority of Americans are in favor of an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. Israeli-Saudi rapprochement now appears in deep freeze, while Abra- ham Accord countries like Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have denounced the current course of events. “The last few weeks have really called into question -if not outright demolished- a lot of presumptions that were governing U.S. policy in the region,” Matt Duss, executive vice president of the Center for International Policy, told me at the same pan- el. Duss added that Biden’s embrace of Israel’s bombing campaign cuts against the legacy he had built in supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian invasion. “There have been some very important principles of international law and the liberal international order that (Biden offi- cials) have articulated about why what they are doing (in backing Kiev) is important,” Duss said. “I think they have spent the past three weeks burning that to the ground. They have shown that there is an egregious double standard.” REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 567 USA WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ISRAEL DO TO DEFEND ITSELF? Publisher : The New York Times Date : 24 March 2024 Country : USA Author : David Brooks Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary If the current Israeli military approach is inhumane, what’s the alterna- tive? Is there a better military strategy Israel can use to defeat Hamas without a civilian blood bath? In recent weeks, I’ve been talking with se- curity and urban warfare experts and others studying Israel’s approach to the conflict and scouring foreign policy and security journals in search of such ideas. One alternative strategy is that Israel should conduct a much more lim- ited campaign. Fight Hamas, but with less intensity. To some degree, Is- rael has already made this adjustment. In January, Israel announced it was shifting to a smaller, more surgical strategy; U.S. officials estimated at the time that Israel had reduced the number of Israeli troops in north- ern Gaza. The first problem with going further in this direction is that Israel may not be left with enough force to defeat Hamas. A second problem is that the light footprint approach leaves power vacu- ums. This allows Hamas units to reconstitute themselves in areas Israel has already taken. Another alternative strategy is targeted assassinations. Instead of con- tinuing with a massive invasion, just focus on the Hamas fighters re- sponsible for the Oct. 7 attack, the way Israel took down the terrorists who perpetrated the attack on Israeli Olympians in Munich in 1972. The difference is that the attack on Israelis at Munich was a small-scale 568 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE terrorist assault. Oct. 7 was a comprehensive invasion by an opposing army. Trying to assassinate perpetrators of that number would not look all that different from the current military approach Furthermore, Hamas’s fighters are hard to find, even the most notorious leaders. It took a decade for the United States to find Osama bin Laden, and Israel hasn’t had great success with eliminating key Hamas figures. In recent years, Israel tried to kill Mohammed Deif, the commander of Hamas’s military wing, seven times, without success. The political costs of this kind of strategy might be even worse than the political costs of the current effort. Türkiye, a Hamas supporter, has made it especially clear that Israel would pay a very heavy price if it went after Hamas leaders there. A third alternative is a counterinsurgency strategy. This is a less intense approach than the kind of massive invasion we’ve seen and would focus on going after insurgent cells and rebuilding the destroyed areas to build trust with the local population. The problem is that this works only after you’ve defeated the old regime and have a new host government you can work with. A fourth alternative is that Israel should just stop. It should settle for what it has achieved and not finish the job by invading Rafah and the southern areas of Gaza, or it should send in just small strike teams. This is now the official Biden position. The national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has argued that Israel can destroy Hamas in Gaza without a large invasion but “by other means” (which he did not elaborate on). The United States has asked Israel to send a delegation to Washington to discuss alternative Rafah strategies, which is good. The problem is that, first, there seems to be a budding disagreement over how much of Hamas needs to be destroyed to declare victory and, second, the I.D.F. es- timates that there are 5,000 to 8,000 Hamas fighters in Rafah. Defeating an army that size would take thousands of airstrikes and raids. If this war ends with a large chunk of Hamas in place, it would be a long- term disaster for the region. Victorious, Hamas would dominate what- ever government was formed to govern Gaza. Hamas would rebuild its military to continue its efforts to exterminate the Jewish state. Israel would have to impose an even more severe blockade than the one that it imposed before, this time to keep out the steel, concrete and other ma- REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 569 terials that Hamas uses to build tunnels and munitions, but that Gazans would need to rebuild their homes. If Hamas survives this war intact, it would be harder for the global com- munity to invest in rebuilding Gaza. It would be impossible to begin a peace process. I’m left with the tragic conclusion that there is no magical alternative military strategy. As Cohen wrote in Foreign Policy: “If the international community wants Israel to change strategies in Gaza, then it should of- fer a viable alternative strategy to Israel’s announced goal of destroying Hamas in the strip. And right now, that alternate strategy simply does not exist.” The lack of viable alternatives leaves me with the further conclusion that Israel must ultimately confront Hamas leaders and forces in Rafah rather than leave it as a Hamas beachhead. For now, a cease-fire may be in the offing in Gaza, which is crucial for the release of more hostages. Israel can use that time to put in place the humanitarian relief plan that Israeli security officials are now, at long last, proposing (but that the country’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has not agreed to so far). Israel would also have to undertake a full-scale civilian evacuation of Ra- fah before any military operation and then try to take out as much of Hamas as possible with as few civilian casualties as possible. Given the horrors of this kind of tunnel-based urban warfare, this will be a pain- ful time and painfully difficult. But absent some new alternative strate- gy, Biden is wrong to stop Israel from confronting the Hamas threat in southern Gaza. Finally, like pretty much every expert I consulted, I’m also left with the conclusion that Israel has to completely rethink and change the human- itarian and political side of this operation. Israel needs to supplement its military strategy with an equally powerful Palestinian welfare strategy. 570 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE GERMANY SCHOLZ ABOUT THE GAZA ATTACKS: “GERMANY IS ON THE SIDE OF ISRAEL Publisher : Tagesschau Internet Date : 7 October 2023 Country : Germany Translated in : Ankara Type : Summary Palestinian militants and Israeli forces have been busy since the morn- ing. The attacks carried out from the Gaza strip were harshly criticized internationally, for example by Germany. However, other states hold Is- rael responsible for the events. More than 90 thousand people expressed their support for the attacks against Israel from the Gaza Strip. The federal government did not break out the violence harshly. Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote the following on the .” The UN called for an immediate end to the violence. The EU and West- ern countries are behind Israel. The European Union was not attacked either. “This is the worst form of terrorism,” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in X. He stated that • Israel has the right to de- fend itself against such attacks. EU d1 policy officer Josep Borrell stated that the EU is in solidarity with Israel in these difficult times. European Council President Charles Michel spoke of “terror and violence against innocent people”. French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish D1 Minister of Affairs Jose Manuel Albares also showed similar reactions. According to the statement made by the White House, the USA also stands with Israel. In the statement, it was said, “The USA does not con- demn Hamas terrorists’ unprovoked attacks against Israeli civilians.” It was stated that Gilvenlik’s son-in-law, Jake Sullivan, has already spoken with the Israeli official and will continue to remain in close contact with him. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 571 President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan showed restraint to all par- ties. He emphasized that the parties should “avoid impulsive steps that will increase tension.” Türkiye and Israel have recently made efforts to reconnect after years of conflict. Arab principles also follow the developments. According to the state- ment made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia called for “an immediate end to the violence between Israelis and Palestinians.” The states of Israel and Saudi Arabia, which are hostile to each other, have recently become closer to each other with the mediation of the USA. From the perspective of the Gulf Emirate of Qatar, Israel alone is respon- sible for the escalation of violence in the conflict with the Palestinians. D1- In the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was stat- ed that both sides of Qatar were willing to act respectfully. Iran welcomed the attacks on Palestine. He said, “We congratulate the Palestinian war 9” and said that he will be with Palestine until the liber- ation of Palestine and Jerusalem. Islamist Hamas launched an unexpected attack on Israel this morning with thousands of rockets. In response, the Israeli army bombed targets in the Gaza Strip. According to Israeli media, dozens of people died and hundreds were injured. 572 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE GERMANY OLAF SCHOLZ TO ISRAEL: “WE MOURN AND FEAR WITH YOU” Publisher : Vorwärts Date : 12 October 2023 Country : Germany Author: Kai Doering Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary “On October 7th, Israel woke up in a nightmare,” said Olaf Scholz in the Bundestag on Thursday morning. Five days ago, Hamas terrorist militias in the Gaza Strip launched a large-scale attack on Israel. So far, at least 1,200 people died in Israel, including women and children. More than a hundred people were kidnapped. Chancellor Scholz, in his government statement on Thursday, said “We mourn and fear with you, we strongly condemn the violence of the terrorists.” --Scholz: “We Make All The Contacts That Can Be Helpful”-- “At this moment there is only one option for Germany: to stand by Is- rael firmly,” said Scholz to the applause from many MPs. Only on the benches where the AfD and Left Party MPs sit some parliamentarians remained silent during Scholz’s speech, while Scholz assured Israel of Germany’s solidarity. “Our own history, our responsibility arising from the Holocaust makes it our ongoing task to stand up for the existence and security of the State of Israel. For Germany, this also means sup- porting Israel in practical terms. This applies, for example, to caring for the wounded. But we will also immediately examine other requests for support from Israel”, Scholz promised. In order to secure the release of the abductees and find a solution to the conflict, the Chancellor wants to talk to Turkish President Erdoğan on the phone on Thursday. Scholz also will receive Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Scholz, in his government statement, said “It would be irresponsible not to use all con- tacts that can help in this situation.”. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 573 --“It Would Be An Unforgivable Mistake To Attack Israel”-- The Chancellor also made a clear appeal to Israel’s neighbors. “Hezbol- lah must not intervene in the fighting. Otherwise there is a risk of a dev- astating conflagration with possible effects as far as North Africa and Yemen and this scenario must be prevented by all means possible. Our message is clear: it would be an unforgivable mistake to attack Israel,” Scholz said. The Chancellor also mentioned the consequences of the attack for Ger- many. The federal government will examine the “entire development co- operation” with the Palestinian territories so that it does not contribute to the financing of Hamas. “Our criterion will be whether and how our projects best serve peace in the region and the security of Israel. Until this review is completed, we will not provide any new funds for develop- ment cooperation,” Chancellor said. --“We Do Not Tolerate Anti-Semitism”-- Scholz called the images of people cheering with Hamas flags on Ger- man streets in recent days shameful, disgusting and inhumane. The Chancellor announced a ban on Hamas’ activities. “We will not stand by hate and incitement. We do not tolerate anti-Semitism,” Scholz said. The Chancellor receives support from the chairmen of the SPD, Greens, FDP and CDU party groups. CDU parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz warned “Our solidarity must not be allowed to crack even if Israel does what is necessary.”. 574 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE GERMANY NETANYAHU THANKS USA FOR PROVIDING “IMPORTANT AMMUNITION” FOR THE GAZA WAR Publisher : DPA Date : 10 December 2023 Country: Germany Translated in: Ankara Translation Type: Full Text Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the United States has provided his country with “important ammunition” for the contin- uation of the Gaza war. At the start of a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu thanked US President Joe Biden for the military aid and the US veto of the ceasefire at the UN Security Council (UNSC). Netanyahu did not specify what kind of arms and ammunition deliveries he was referring to. Prime Minister Netanyahu said he also met with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron. “I told them that it doesn’t make sense for them to pressure us to end the war while sup- porting the destruction of Hamas, and that this will prevent the destruc- tion of Hamas,” he said. Netanyahu said the war “will continue with greater intensity in the north and south of the Gaza Strip in order to achieve all its objectives.” The Is- raeli Prime Minister emphasized that these goals are the destruction of Hamas, the return of all hostages, and ensuring that the Gaza Strip no longer poses a threat to Israel. Meanwhile, the US State Department - bypassing the US Congressional review process normally required for arms sales to other countries - has approved the direct sale of approximately 14,000 armored munitions to Israel. In a statement released on Saturday, the State Department said it had invoked the urgency clause in the Arms Export Control Act. Howev- er, the release of new US aid to Israel and Ukraine is currently blocked by an internal political dispute between Democrats and Republicans in REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 575 the House of Representatives. Last October, Biden also appealed to Con- gress for a large multibillion-euro package for Israel, including financial resources. The current war began with the largest massacre in Israel’s history, car- ried out by terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups near Isra- el’s border with the Gaza Strip on October 7, initially killing more than 1,200 people. According to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, 17,700 people were killed in subsequent Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. 576 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE GERMANY BIDEN CONTINUES TO SUPPORT ISRAEL Publisher : DPA Date : 12 December 2023 Country: Germany Translated in: Ankara Translation Type: Full Text US President Joe Biden has pledged more support for Israel in the fight against Hamas terrorists. “As I said after the attack -on October 7th- my commitment to the security of the Jewish people (...) is unwavering,” Biden said at a reception for the Jewish Hanukkah holiday at the White House on Monday evening, attended by about 800 guests. He also said that the United States will support Israel until the country is free of Hamas. According to a statement released by the White House, Biden emphasized that the United States is working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the hostages. “And I will not stop until I bring every one of them home,” Biden said, adding that he is also working to provide “more humanitarian assistance to innocent Palestinian civilians.” Biden also criticized anti-Semitism around the world and said, “There is a wave of anti-Semitism in America and around the world. This is dis- gusting. There is no place for hatred in America.” On his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, the US President said that Netanyahu had an old photo of Biden on his desk - he was a 32-year- old senator at the time. The US President said that he wrote the follow- ing sentence on the back of the photo: “Bibi, I love you, but I don’t agree with anything you say (...) It is the same today.” Hanukkah commemorates the reopening of the Second Temple in Je- rusalem after a revolt against the Greeks in 164 BC and the “miracle of light” of a candlestick burning for eight days. This year the holiday will last until December 15th. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 577 GERMANY BLINKEN: WE EXPECT MORE TARGETED ACTIONS FROM ISRAEL Publisher : DPA Date : 20 December 2023 Country: Germany Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Full Text US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has once again called on Israel to conduct “more targeted” military operations in the Gaza Strip. “We expect and would like to see a shift to more targeted operations with fewer forces that really focus on the Hamas leadership and its tunnel network. If that happens, it will reduce civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.” Blinken said in Washington on Wednesday. The US government had previously expressed this expectation following a visit to Israel last week by Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to US President Joe Biden. Blinken at the same time made it clear that he expects clearer words from the international community about Hamas’ actions. “What strikes me is that we keep hearing how many countries are pressing for an end to this conflict, and we all want to see that. I have heard almost no one demand- ing that Hamas stop hiding behind civilians, lay down its weapons and surrender. The Gaza war cannot end with Hamas terrorists remaining in place and declaring their intention to repeat the October 7 attacks. This is not in Israel’s interest. It is not in the interest of the region. And it is not in the interest of the world.” Blinken said. 578 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE FRANCE HAMAS-ISRAEL… FRANCE WILL NOT TOLERATE “ANY ANTI- SEMITIC ACT OR REMARK” Publisher : AFP Date : 11 October 2023 Country : France Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary France will not tolerate “any anti-Semitic act or remark” in the country, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne declared Tuesday on the fourth day of the war launched against Israel by the Islamist Palestinian move- ment Hamas. The police department told AFP on Tuesday evening that two pro-Pal- estinian demonstrations to be held on Thursday in Paris were banned. The police department explained that this decision was made “taking into account the risk of disturbance to public order”. The Prime Minister promised “a serious firmness to all those who want to use this conflict as a pretext for anti-Semitism”. Addressing the Jewish community, the Prime Minister said “We are with you. To target you is to target the entire Republic.” Around fifty “anti-Semitic acts”, some of which were “particularly seri- ous”, have been recorded in France since Saturday’s attack on Israel by Hamas, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Tuesday. Borne insisted that the Hamas attack is “a terrorist attack, committed by a terrorist group.”. “The barbarity and the unimaginable level of violence remind us of the worst moments of our fight against the Islamic State. Those who sup- ported, financed and armed Hamas fell into the same ignominy with it,” she added. The head of the government said that this conflict is a “trauma which takes us back 50 years”. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 579 The government is “extremely sensitive about ensuring that not a single euro of French aid reaches any terrorist organization, neither in Gaza nor elsewhere,” Borne said, making a distinction with humanitarian aid. “I am not ignoring the questions about our humanitarian aid. Our aid is transferred to the UN organizations in the region, which operate directly for access to water, food, health or education,” the Prime Minister said. French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Tuesday that France is “not in favor of suspending aid which directly benefits the Palestinian peo- ple” and that it will “make this known to the European Commission”. This approach was reiterated in the press conference that French Presi- dent Emmanuel Macron held with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Hamburg. 580 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE FRANCE SCHOLZ : “ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO SELF-DEFENSE CANNOT BE QUESTIONED” Publisher : AFP Date : 17 November 2023 Country: France Translated in: Ankara Translation Type: Full Text At a press conference in Berlin with visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for “no ques- tioning” of Israel’s “right to defend itself” following the deadly Hamas attack on October 7. After Erdoğan recently appeared to question the legitimacy of the He- brew State, Scholz said, “Israel’s right to self-defense should be enabled, not questioned” and described Israel’s “right to exist” as “undeniable”. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 581 UNITED KINGDOM ZELENSKI LIKENED HAMAS ATTACKS TO RUSSIAN INVASION “ Publisher : The Telegraph Yayın Tarihi : 9 October 2023 Country : United Kingdom Translated in : Ankara Type : Summary In his statement on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Iran for both attacks, comparing Hamas’s attack on Israel to Russia’s invasion of his country. Zelenski, who attended the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Copen- hagen via video link, said, “The only difference was that there was a ter- rorist organization attacking Israel, while here there was a terrorist state attacking Ukraine. (...) The declared intentions were different, but the essence was the same.” said. The Ukrainian President added that he cannot deny its role in Ukraine or Israel, amid Tehran’s support for Hamas and allegations that it sold unmanned aerial vehicles to Moscow, and added, “If Iran is making a promise to Russia, it is the same as what is happening in Ukraine.” (...) Tehran cannot say it has nothing to do with what is happening in Israel if its officials claim to support what is happening in Israel.” He spoke like this: Iran, on the other hand, has repeatedly denied that it supplied kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles to Russia for use in Ukraine, and also did not accept the comments that it had a hand in the attacks that took place in Israel over the weekend. The statements of Zelenski, who stated that he was in “solidarity” with Israel, came after Russia expressed its deep concerns about the latest events in Israel and Palestinian territories and stated that the situation could turn into a wider conflict in the Middle East. came. 582 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Moscow, which has relations with Arab countries, Iran and Hamas as well as Israel, has repeatedly tried to stop both Palestinians and Israelis from violence. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “We believe that it is neces- sary to put the situation on a path of peace as soon as possible, as this will lead to the continuation of the spiral of violence and its further ex- pansion and expansion.” he said. The Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Ebul Gayt, stated to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his meeting in Mos- cow that they agreed that the violence should stop, but that such events would continue as long as the Palestinian issue is not resolved. Lavrov emphasized that the re-ignition of violence shows that the cur- rent situation in the region is no longer sustainable. Lavrov also accused the United States of trying to “monopolize” the dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis and moving away from the establishment of a Palestinian state in favor of negotiations aimed at al- leviating the socio-economic problems of the inhabitants of Palestinian territory. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 583 UNITED KINGDOM THE HAMAS TERRORISTS MUST NOW BE DESTROYED Publisher : The Telegraph Date : 12 October 2023 Country : United Kingdom Author: Con Coughlin Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Broad Summary The West’s response to the 9/11 attacks in 2001 may have generated many controversies, but its greatest achievement was undoubtedly the resolve and unified sense of purpose it displayed in destroying Al-Qaeda’s ter- rorist infrastructure. It was a similar story with the fanatics of Islamic State of Iraq and the Le- vant (IS). Thanks to the West’s robust response, coalition forces inflicted a devastating defeat against IS. The same unified approach must be adopted by the Western powers against Hamas, the Iranian-backed terrorist organisation responsible for carrying out the most horrific atrocities committed against the Jew- ish people since the Holocaust. Just as the 9/11 attacks, the worst terrorist attack in US history, was a defining moment for the American people, so the October 7 Hamas mas- sacres will leave an indelible mark on the Israeli people. The Israelis are entirely justified in viewing the atrocities committed at the weekend as their own 9/11 moment, and the country’s newly-formed emergency unity government has every right to demand that Hamas is utterly destroyed, like Al-Qaeda and IS. To achieve this goal, Israel will need its allies in the West to show the same degree of unity that they summoned in 2001. Removing Hamas will be no easy task. The Israel Defence Forces might be the Middle East’s most sophisticated military outfit, but tackling such 584 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE a well-resourced foe as Hamas, which relies heavily on Iran for military support, nevertheless remains a daunting prospect. Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader behind last weekend’s atrocities, di- rected the assault from the safety of his office in the Gulf state of Qatar, where he has been residing since being granted refuge by Qatar’s rulers in 2020. He was even pictured rejoicing as he watched the terror attack unfold on Qatari television. Another factor Israeli leaders will need to take on board is that Iran backs a complex network of Islamist militias throughout the region, such as Hizbollah, which could be used to open new fronts against Israel. Israel’s campaign to destroy Hamas, therefore, will need to be fought on many levels, which is why the Jewish state has every right to expect ro- bust support from its Western allies. The Biden administration’s decision to deploy a powerful naval battle group is a powerful demonstration of Washington’s commitment to de- fending Israel’s security. It should help to dissuade malign powers such as Iran from provoking a major escalation in the conflict. Western leaders must also urgently review their attitude towards coun- tries like Iran and Qatar, whose backing for Hamas has enabled it to de- velop the terrorist capability necessary to carry out last weekend’s at- tacks. In particular, the US and Europe should abandon efforts to improve ties with Tehran. Any nation that supports a terrorist organisation like Hamas, which thinks nothing of killing babies and murdering defenceless grand- mothers on video, needs to be treated as a rogue state, and not indulged with endless rounds of negotiations that achieve nothing. The pure evil Hamas has demonstrated in its attack against Israel de- mands that the West lend its full support to Israel in its quest to ensure that Hamas suffers the same fate as Al-Qaeda and IS. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 585 UNITED KINGDOM PRO-HAMAS PROTESTERS ARE VILE PEOPLE AND SHOULD BE ARRESTED Publisher : The Telegraph Date : 16 October 2023 Country : United Kingdom Author: Iain Duncan Smith Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Summary Hamas’s assault on Israel was an act of war by this brutal terrorist organ- isation. Their murder of innocent men, woman and children, abduction, even rape was appalling. Nonetheless, over the weekend the usual suspects erupted onto our streets to claim that Israel and the Jewish people were responsible for human rights abuses. They cheered Hamas and paraded their message of hate. A number waved Hamas flags and chanted ‘from the river to the sea’ which articulates Hamas’s desire to eradicate Israel and the Jews. What vile people they are. They, like too many before them, are the ‘use- ful idiots’ of this violent terrorist group and they must not be allowed to get away with such hate-filled bile. That is why the police need to iden- tify those who waved Hamas flags whilst chanting their hate filled slo- gans and arrest them swiftly. For those who hurled abuse at Israel and supported the Hamas terror- ists, the facts should be very clear. First, Hamas alone are responsible and accountable. Second, Hamas is a terrorist organisation and Israel has the right to defend itself. Third, Israel has the right to also do what it must to ensure that such evil people cannot carry out such an attack ever again. And much of the public can’t understand why the BBC still refuses to re- fer to Hamas as a terrorist organisation. After all, Parliament has done so 586 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE and proscribed it, as have other democratic countries - how can the BBC believe they need to be impartial about such an organisation? We should have learned the lesson from ISIS. They had to be destroyed before we had any chance of freeing those trapped in their murderous embrace. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 587 UNITED KINGDOM US AND UK SANCTIONS AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH “LINKS” TO HAMAS IN TÜRKİYE, LEBANON AND ALGERIA Publisher : Al-Quds Al-Arabi Date : 13 December 2023 Country: United Kingdom Translated in: Ankara Translation Type: Summary On Wednesday, the United States and the United Kingdom announced sanctions against officials of the “Hamas” and “Islamic Jihad” move- ments and their associates. In statement issued by the two countries in- dependently of each other, they emphasized their continued policy of combating the financing of the Islamic movement. The sanctions against the two mentioned organizations targeted their leaders and associated individuals residing in Türkiye, Lebanon and Algeria. In this context, the British Foreign Office has named some of them, namely: Mahmoud al Zahhar, Ali Baraka, Akram al-Ajouri, Maher Obeid, Khaled Chouman, Reda Ali Khamis and Ayman Ahmed al Duwik, who is based in Algeria. The US Treasury Department’s sanctions targeted Musa Barhum, Musa Nasser al-Din, Nizar Awadallah, Hassan al-Ward- ian and Türkiye-based Mehmet Kaya. Hamas sources, in their statements to al-Quds al-Arabi newspaper in re- lation to the aforesaid decision said, “Both decisions are unrealistic mea- sures. The mentioned individuals do not have deposit accounts in US or UK banks. They are neither merchants nor businessmen, and most of them are political and media officials.” 588 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE UNITED KINGDOM BEN WALLACE IS WRONG: ISRAEL’S TACTICS ARE THE ONLY WAY TO CRUSH HAMAS Publisher : The Telegraph Date : 18 December 2023 Country: United Kingdom Author: Richard Kemp Translated in: Ankara Translation Type : Summary In his Telegraph article today, Ben Wallace repeatedly misunderstands the situation in Gaza. To accuse Israel of “a killing rage” and “indiscrim- inate” assaults is untrue and unfair to an army that surpasses all others in its ability to attack an enemy while doing everything possible to min- imize civilian casualties. As General Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said a few years ago: “Israel went to extraor- dinary lengths to limit collateral damage and civilian casualties. In fact, we sent a team of senior officers to get the lessons from the measures they took to prevent civilian casualties”. Yes, many innocent civilians have been tragically killed. But Hamas plans all of its operations with one overriding aim: to force Israel to kill civilians in Gaza. That is an even higher priority for them than actually killing IDF soldiers and civilians, because it achieves their objective of delegitimizing, vilifying and isolating Israel among the world commu- nity. Wallace accuses the IDF of breaking the Geneva Conventions, using disproportionate force, collective punishment and forced movement of civilians. How can he know whether or not the force Israel uses is dis- proportionate? How is he in a position to judge that? Unless of course he is working on Hamas figures, which are likely to be inflated, take no account of the many Palestinian civilian deaths they themselves have in- flicted, and make no distinction between civilian and combatant deaths. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 589 Where too is evidence of collective punishment? If military operations that bring death, suffering and destruction on civilians is collective punishment, then that applies to virtually every war that has ever been fought. The idea that Israel is somehow breaking the Conventions by forced movement of civilians is also incorrect. Under the laws of war combat- ants on both sides are required, where possible, to warn civilians of an impending attack and take whatever steps they can to move them to safety or relative safety. Where Israel has planned to launch attacks, it has followed its obligations by warning civilians to leave. Hamas has done the opposite, giving no warning of attacks that endanger civilians and sometimes forcing them to remain in place in the face of an IDF at- tack. That Wallace should accuse Israel of “playing footsie with Putin, while Russian money fueled the Iranian rocket and drone industry” is misin- formed. Ultimately, whilst quick to criticize the IDF, Wallace offers no alternative solutions for eliminating the existential threat from Hamas. Israel must be allowed to defend itself with whatever military force is necessary. It simply has no other choice. 590 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ISRAEL THE WORLD MUST STAND WITH ISRAEL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HAMAS TERROR Publisher : The Jerusalem Post Date : 30 October 2023 Country : Israel Author: Bradley Martin, Liram Koblentz-Stenzler Translated in : Ankara Translation Type : Broad Summary Israel is a democratic country that uses its army to keep its citizens safe. Hamas uses civilians to safeguard its organization. Because Israel needs to follow humanitarian law while trying to mini- mize collateral damage on the Palestinian side, Hamas deliberately tries to cause damage to Israeli civilians while risking the lives of Palestinian civilians. In an asymmetric war, Israel is not facing a battle between the country’s armies. The citizens are part of the front. Because Hamas possesses no moral integrity and seeks to destroy the State of Israel by any means necessary – even at the expense of Palestinian lives – Israel faces a sig- nificant disadvantage when it tries to maintain its moral standards. Hamas deliberately uses Palestinian civilians as human shields. They place their munitions and launch rockets against Israeli popula- tion centers from civilian infrastructures such as mosques, schools, hos- pitals, and ambulances. While Israel asked the Palestinians to tempo- rarily evacuate to the southern part of the Gaza Strip, in order to destroy Hamas’s infrastructure, the terrorist group urged Palestinian residents to stay at home in anticipation of an Israeli ground offensive. Hamas does this to maximize civilian casualties and manipulate world sympathy. While Israel uses the IDF to protect the lives of their citizens, Hamas uses its civilians to protect the terror organization. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 591 By contrast, the Israeli military has done everything in its power to min- imize Palestinian civilian casualties such as sending advance warnings before an attack and employing new innovative technologies to target Hamas rocket launchers while minimizing Palestinian casualties. Israel has also asked residents of Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip (and northern Israel) to evacuate. When Israel unilaterally withdrew from the Gaza Strip in August 2005, it evacuated over 9,000 Israeli citizens living in 25 Jewish villages with the hope of encouraging the creation of an independent Palestinian state that would live in peace alongside Israel. The Israeli government left be- hind a highly developed area that could have served as the backbone of a prosperous Palestinian economy. Since taking over the Gaza Strip in 2007, Hamas has terrorized the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians. We now understand that it is unac- ceptable that a terrorist group should be allowed to govern a civilian population. If we want Israeli and Palestinian civilians to live in safety and peace, the world must now help Israel free Gaza from Hamas once and for all. 592 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE SWEDEN BILLSTRÖM: ISRAEL’S RESPONSE IS “PROPORTIONATE” Publisher : Svenska Dagbladet Date : 23 October 2023 Country : Sweden Author: Wiktor Nummelin Translated in : Stockholm Translation Type : Full Text Getting humanitarian aid into Gaza is the main topic when EU foreign ministers gather in Luxembourg. At the same time, there are clear cracks in the consensus in the view of the conflict in the Middle East. The situation of the world causes the EU’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell to sigh heavily when he meets the journalists on the way to the meeting. “I say good morning, but the events in the world make us work in a con- stant state of crisis”, says Borrell. The events in the Middle East make today’s meeting almost unique in recent years: For the first time since last winter, Russia’s war in Ukraine is not the main topic. Borrell stresses that the priority right now is to get humanitarian aid (to Gaza). Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billström says the same. “We must, together with other parties -the USA, the UN, the EU- find a solution to the problem that there is a shortage of water, food and fuel. Those negotiations are ongoing while we are standing here talking and I am looking forward to hearing what my foreign minister colleagues have to say”, says Billström to TT, SR Ekot and SVT in Luxembourg. Both he and Borrell emphasize the importance of getting a fresh start for the peace process in the long term. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 593 According to Billström, who says that we must make sure to return to the negotiating table and bring the two-state solution to the table again, the EU has a very important role to play there. The protracted conflict between Israelis and Palestinians also causes a crack in the relationships within the EU, with different opinions in dif- ferent capitals. While the acts of terrorism by Hamas have been condemned by every- one, views on Israel’s response are more divided, particularly when it comes to the humanitarian consequences for the civilian population in Gaza. Tobias Billström, who does not want to answer yes or no to the question of whether Israel’s response is in line with the international law, says “As the Swedish government, we have said that Israel has the right to defend itself, but Israel must also, just like all other parties, take into account the fact that it should try to save civilian lives as much as possible”. The Foreign Minister, who is in Luxembourg, says that Israel has the right to defend itself and the response has been proportionate. 594 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE SWITZERLAND CEASEFIRE MEANS HELPING HAMAS Publisher : Tages-Anzeiger Date : 06 November 2023 Country: Switzerland Author: Markus Somm Translated in: Bern Translation Type: Full Text According to the Wall Street Journal, people searching the digital maps of Baidu and Alibaba, two of China’s prominent internet platforms, have noticed that Israel no longer appears on the relevant pages: its borders are visible, but its name is nowhere to be found. In other words, what Hamas terrorists and their supporters in the West demand -the destruc- tion of the Jewish state- has already happened in China: “From the River to the Sea”, from Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea, as the Hamas hate slogan goes, there is no more Israel. What have the Jews ever done to the Chinese? Nothing. The Chinese are also (mostly) not Christians and have not ac- cused Jews of killing Jesus for two thousand years, which in no way ex- cuses Christians; Jews have never lived in the Middle Kingdom, except for a negligible number, so that almost no Chinese has ever had a prej- udicial bad experience with a single Jew. In short, what is happening in Baidu and Alibaba, and therefore in China as a whole, reminds me of the definition of antisemitism once given by the Russian-British philos- opher (and Jew) Isaiah Berlin: “An anti-Semite is someone who hates Jews more than is absolutely necessary.” But aren’t the Palestinians victims of Western imperialism that has set- tled the Middle East in the form of the Israelis? Nonsense. If the Chinese were really upset about it, they would have to face the question of why they annexed Tibet without ever asking the original inhabitants of Tibet, the Tibetans, whether they agreed or not. They didn’t agree. They hav- en’t for 73 years. Since the executives of Baidu and Alibaba do nothing to REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 595 displease the communist government in Beijing, it can be assumed that they wiped Israel off the map with their consent (or on their advice). The UN General Assembly resembles to a court where wolves judge the eating behavior of sheep. Are they vegan enough? Even hypocrites have to die, and the number of hypocrites -or hypocrit- ical states -has been growing rapidly since Israel rightly defended itself against the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Turkish Presi- dent Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has also supported Hamas and accused the Israelis of “crimes against humanity”; he is the same man, who, to this day, rules a country that denies the genocide (1,5 million dead) commit- ted against Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, which Türkiye considers itself as its lawful heir. And it is the same man who, two days before the Hamas attack, once again bombed the Syrian Kurds, whom he continues to repress in his own country and per- secute according to the mood of the day. Did someone say “colonialism”? Anyone who takes the word of countries like China, Türkiye or Russia, or even agrees with them in shedding crocodile tears for the Palestinians and others who are allegedly or actually mistreated by the West, either has only himself to blame or suffers from a disease that appears in the West when we are particularly bored: Western self-hatred. As a result, we always see ourselves as the worst imperialists and colonizers, while others are, in their best moods, slaughter their peoples, minorities and even colonies. This does not mean that we have nothing to blame our- selves for, but it depends on who (especially the Israelis) accuses us of something and how convincing they are. Given the concentration of dictators in the UN General Assembly, it is almost laughable that we still take this body seriously. It resembles to a court where wolves judge the eating behavior of sheep. Are they vegan enough? Even more shameful is the fact that just a week ago, Switzer- land, in the same UN as flawless democracies like North Korea, Russia and Cuba, called on a battered Israel to accept a “humanitarian cease- fire” without even mentioning the perpetrators of the war, the Hamas terrorists. Today, a ceasefire means helping Hamas, with or without in- tentions. Who wants that if they don’t hate Jews? Antisemitism is like a seismograph. Whenever it appears, an earthquake is not far away. It will shake not only Israel but the whole West. 596 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE SWITZERLAND SWISS PARLIAMENT BACKS PROPOSAL TO BAN HAMAS Publisher : Swissinfo Date : 19 December 2023 Country: Switzerland Translated in : Bern Translation Type : Full Text On Tuesday, the House of Representatives implicitly adopted a commit- tee motion calling for the Islamist organization to be listed as a terror- ist organization. Speaking on behalf of the committee, parliamentarian Fabien Fivaz said Switzerland must take a clear position following the inhumane attacks and war crimes committed by Hamas on October 7. Fivaz called for Hamas to be banned in Switzerland. This way, their fi- nancial flows might be cut off. --How Easy It Is for Switzerland to List Hamas as a Terrorist Organiza- tion?-- Three weeks ago the government decided that Switzerland should pass a law banning Hamas. A draft will be submitted to the Parliament by the end of February 2024. On October 11, the government decided to classify the movement as a terrorist organization. The Senate passed a motion to the same effect last week. Both Houses need to decide on the text of the law. REFLECTIONS OF ISRAELI BRUTALITY IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA | 597 SWITZERLAND HAMAS MAFIA Publisher : Die Weltwoche Date : 28 February 2024 Country: Switzerland Author: Pierre Heumann Translated in : Bern Translation Type : Section Related to Türkiye The misery in Gaza is increasing international pressure on Israel. But one thing is being ignored: Hamas, not Israel, holds the fate of the Pal- estinians. --No Rush for Peace-- While Gaza bleeds, Hamas’ top brass lives a life of luxury far from the war zone. Politburo Head Ismail Haniyeh, who has been living in Doha since 2023, is estimated to have four billion dollars. His predecessor Khaled Meshaal, who also lives far from Gaza, has assets including five billion dollars invested in real estate projects in Egypt and the Gulf countries. De facto Foreign Minister and one of the founders of Hamas, Moussa Abu Marzook, is said to have “only” three billion dollars. Hamas also controls assets estimated at more than $500 million. Among these are companies in Sudan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is therefore understandable that the Hamas leadership is in no hurry to reach peace. Even if everything in Gaza is destroyed, it is known that the leaders have plenty of money to survive financially. And even if the terror regime in Gaza ends, they trust that the finances of the Hamas mafia will survive. 598 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ITALY MATTARELLA: HAMAS’ INSULT TO HUMANITY...IT DOES NOT REPRESENT THE PALESTINIANS Publisher : ASKANEWS Date : 10 November 2023 Country: Italy Translated in: Ankara Translation Type: Summary “It is an insult to humanity that on October 7, Hamas massacred children, raped women, took children and the elderly hostage, and filmed scenes of violence,” Italian President Sergio Mattarella said. Emphasizing that “the solution of two peoples and two states is the only path to stability and peace”, Mattarella made it clear that “absolutely all civilian victims are equal”. “Military actions must take into account civilian victims, but Hamas’ deliberate act of targeting defenseless civilians cannot be put on the same level,” Mattarella said. According to the Head of State, the open condemnation of terrorists must be separated from the attitude towards the Palestinians. “For the inter- ests of the Palestinians, it must be emphasized once again that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people,” Mattarella said. 07 Türkiye’s Support For The Palestinian Cause And President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Peace Initiative 602 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 603 7.1. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Leadership Role at the 2009 Davos Summit Türkiye has a shared history and close cultural and social ties with the Palestinian people that date back centuries. Türkiye, which has had official relations with the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) since 1975, acknowledged the State of Palestine on November 15, 1988, being among the initial nations to do so. Türkiye supports efforts for a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolu- tion to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through negotiations and on the basis of UN parameters for the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State with East Jerusalem (al-Quds) as its capital and territorial integrity based on the 1967 bor- ders. The most evident proof of this support has been Türkiye’s consis- tent stance at United Nations meetings. Türkiye, which has consistently supported Palestine at critical junctures of the historical Palestinian-Israeli conflict and has taken decisive po- litical and diplomatic measures, has voted in favour of Palestine in all international forums since the 1960s. Some of these steps are presented below. - Türkiye’s dialogue with the PLO began at the 1969 Islamic Summit and has since grown. PLO leader Yasser Arafat was received in Ankara in 1979 and a PLO representative office was opened in Türkiye. Chapter 7 Türkiye’s Support For The Palestinian Cause And President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Peace Initiative 604 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE - In 1980, Türkiye was vehemently opposed to Israel’s occupation of East al-Quds and the declaration of a united Jerusalem as its capital. Türkiye downgraded diplomatic ties with Israel to the lowest level, emphasising that it would never accept this action. - Türkiye, which supported the Palestinians throughout the Intifada Movement, exhibited its endorsement of the peace process throughout the Oslo Talks and the Oslo Accords. Throughout these endeavours, Tür- kiye unequivocally stated that the sole viable resolution is a two-state system that safeguards the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. - Türkiye was one of the countries that reacted most strongly to Israel’s attack on Gaza on December 27, 2008, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians and the injuries of over 4,000 others. Türkiye has urged international public opinion to condemn the massacres com- mitted by Israel The Palestine issue significantly reemerged on the global agenda on January 29, 2009, the date of the Davos Summit. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 605 In the panel titled “Gaza: The Case for Middle East Peace” held within the scope of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who was the Prime Minister of the Republic of Türkiye at the time, responded to the speech of Israeli President Shi- mon Peres praising and legitimising Israel’s occupation of Palestine. His “One Minute” reaction has become one of the most important symbols of Türkiye’s strong support for the Palestinian cause and struggle. “When it comes to killing, you know how to kill very well. I know how you hit and kill children on the beaches.” President Erdoğan said during his address at the Davos Summit, and he unequivocally declared to the international community Israel’s abhorrent and morally reprehensible occupation of Palestine: 606 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Quoting from the Torah and declaring that Israel is acting against Juda- ism, Erdoğan declared to the entire world that Türkiye stands fearlessly on the side of the oppressed in the Palestinian issue, and he left the ses- sion by reacting to the panel’s double standard. Following this incident at the Davos Summit, Israel’s atrocities have gained a lot more attention on the international scene. The assault on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla is an additional pivotal mo- ment in the Palestinian issue. The Gaza Freedom Flotilla, consisting of the Mavi Marmara, Sfendoni, Challenger I, Eleftheri Mesogios, Gazze I and Defne Y ships, which set out against the human tragedy and block- ade in Gaza, was attacked by Israel in international waters on May 31, 2010. Ten Turkish nationals aboard the Mavi Marmara at the time of the assault were killed by Israeli soldiers. As a result, three countries, in ad- dition to Türkiye, withdrew their ambassadors from Israel. In response to this attack, Türkiye reduced its diplomatic ties with Israel to that of a second secretary, and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza was one of the three conditions it proposed for normalisation with Israel. Türkiye deemed the December 6, 2017 declaration by US President Don- ald Trump, which acknowledged al-Quds as the capital of Israel and planned to relocate its embassy there, unacceptable and a violation of international law. Leading the diplomatic efforts against the said deci- sion, Türkiye first hosted the 6th Extraordinary Islamic Summit Con- TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 607 ference on Al-Quds Ash-Sharif of the Organisation of Islamic Coopera- tion (OIC). The Summit was held on December 13, 2017 in İstanbul, with the theme “Acting in Unity for Solidarity with Al-Quds.” It was attended by 18 presidents, one vice president, three parliamentary speakers, five prime ministers, and 26 foreign ministers. Moreover, on December 21, 2017, the “Tenth Emergency Special Session” of the United Nations General Assembly was convened at the behest of Türkiye and Yemen, subsequent to the United States’ veto of the draft resolution on Jerusalem in the UN Security Council on December 18, 2017. The draft resolution pertaining to the “Status of Jerusalem” was approved by the session with 128 votes in favour, 35 abstentions, and nine against. Türkiye hosted the OIC Extraordinary Summit on May 18, 2018, in re- sponse to the fatalities in Palestine caused by the violent Israeli response to the protests that followed the official opening of the US Embassy. The final declaration issued at the summit once more condemned the un- lawful relocation of the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to al-Quds, condemned Israel’s use of force against peaceful protesting civilians ex- ercising their legitimate rights, and demanded that the United Nations and other international organisations undertake impartial and trans- parent investigations into Israel’s crimes. Following the US veto of a draft resolution submitted to the UN Security Council to protect Palestinians in relation to the same incident, a similar draft resolution was submitted for a vote at the Emergency Special Ses- sion of the UN General Assembly on June 13, 2018 upon the request of Türkiye and Algeria. In order to prevent a recurrence of these incidents and ensure accountability for the massacre of Palestinians who have been peacefully protesting since March 30, 2018, the proposed resolution calls for deterrence, including international protection. A Special Emer- gency Session of the United Nations General Assembly approved the resolution by a vote of 120 in favour, 45 abstentions, and eight against. Türkiye exerts significant effort to advance and broaden its relations with the State of Palestine across all domains, with the ultimate goal of elevating them to an even higher level. The first meeting of the Joint Committee between Türkiye and the State of Palestine was held in An- kara on October 25, 2018 under the co-chairmanship of our Minister Çavuşoğlu and Minister of Foreign Affairs Riad Malki of the State of Pal- 608 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE estine. During the meeting, all aspects of relations between Türkiye and Palestine were discussed. The joint committee convened for its second meeting on May 24, 2022, in Ramallah. Türkiye will continue to support a just and lasting peace in the region based on the vision of a two-state solution and stand in solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people in their struggle for an independent and sovereign state. 7.2. Joint Declaration of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye The declaration, prepared by the Speaker’s Office of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) and the Justice and Development Party, Republican People’s Party, The Greens and the Left for the Future Party, Nationalist Movement Party, IYI Party, Felicity Party groups, was sub- mitted to the General Assembly on October 12, 2023. The declaration condemns all attacks that directly target civilians through collective punishment methods that exacarbate the ongoing humanitarian trage- dy in Gaza and invites Palestine and Israel to initiate negotiations for a permanent peace without further delay in order to reach a fair and per- manent solution on the basis of two states. A joint declaration pertaining to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict was en- dorsed by six political parties that are represented in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. The declaration emphasised that the high num- ber of civilian casualties in the conflicts in Palestine and Israel, targeting civilian infrastructure and leaving civilians unable to meet even their most basic needs, hurt the conscience. Underscoring that the potential for the crisis to spread to other regions seriously threatens regional security and stability, the statement said: “It is a requirement of law, conscience, and humanity to protect civilians under all circumstances and to avoid practises that amount to collective punishment. We invite all parties to exercise moderation and common sense within the framework of our vision of peace-security-stability so that this tension does not lead to irreparable consequences.” The declaration pointed out that the recent events on the Palestine-Isra- el line once again reveal the necessity of finding a fair, comprehensive, and permanent solution to this problem, which has caused indescrib- able distress, despair, and pain for a long time, through negotiations and on the basis of the established United Nations parameters for a two-state solution, and further emphasized the following: TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 609 “The solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies in addressing the root causes of the conflict, not in managing the consequences. Recent occurrences are the consequence of unlawful occupation and policies that date back 56 years. Deprived of their land, lives, and aspirations for the future, the Palestinian people are currently besieged in a manner that is both unprecedented and novel. Cutting off the food, energy and humanitarian aid provided to Gaza, where two million people live and which has already turned into an open-air prison with a 16-year block- ade, and indiscriminate shooting of civilian settlements are a clear and grave violation of international law. “The United Nations Security Council needs to take responsibility”. The declaration highlighted the succession of transgressions and the ap- plication of double standards, which commenced with the occupation and progressed through unlawful settlers seizing property, provocations and assaults that disregarded the sacred status of sites of worship, and double standards that further undermine the prospect of a two-state solution. The declaration underscored the critical nature of expediting the ces- sation of the occupation of the occupied Palestinian territories and the establishment of a fair peace: “The entire international community, in particular the United Nations Security Council, must now take responsibility, without further delay, to guide the parties towards a just solution based on the vision of a two- 610 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE state solution. We reiterate unequivocally that lasting peace in the Middle East is only possible through a just settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and that this can only be possible through the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and geographically integrated Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders with al-Quds as its capital. In light of the aforementioned perspectives, all political parties compris- ing the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye demand that the parties to the conflict in Palestine and Israel cease escalation and abstain from attacking civilians. We condemn all attacks that directly target civilians through collective punishment methods that exacarbate the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and invite Palestine and Israel to initiate negotiations for a permanent peace without further delay in order to reach a fair and permanent solution on the basis of two states. 7.3. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Remarks on Israel’s Attacks on Palestine October 8, 2023 Ankara, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the opening ceremony of the Mor Efrem Syriac Kadim Orthodox Church in Yeşilköy, Istanbul and de- livered a speech. “THE RIGHTS OF MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS OVER AL-QUDS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED” Underscoring the indisputable significance of al-Quds al-Sharif, the holy city revered by all three Abrahamic religions, emphasizing its impor- tance, meaning, value, and position for all, President Erdoğan said: “This sacred city holds a unique place in the hearts of our nation, which has proudly served al-Quds for over four centuries. The inscription of ‘La Ila- he Illallah, Ibrahim Halilullah’ by Suleiman the Magnificent on the gate of Hebron stands as a poignant symbol of our ancestors’ reverence for the rich heritage of al-Quds al-Sharif. Despite numerous United Nations resolutions, the withdrawal of the Ottomans from the region marked a gradual erosion of the rights of Muslims and Christians in al-Quds. Once TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 611 a bastion of peace and serenity, al-Quds has regrettably transformed into a symbol of tension, occupation, destruction, and usurpation. Those fa- miliar with Middle Eastern history can readily discern this reality. The Palestine issue lies at the core of the region’s contemporary challenges. Without a fair resolution of this issue, peace will remain elusive in our region. Lasting peace in the Middle East hinges upon a just resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.” “THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PALESTINIAN STATE WITH AL-QUDS AS ITS CAPITAL CANNOT BE DELAYED ANY FURTHER.” Stressing the paramount importance of preserving the two-state solu- tion, President Erdoğan emphasized, “The creation of an independent and territorially contiguous Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders, with al-Quds as its capital, is an urgent imperative.” “WE CALL UPON ALL REGIONAL ACTORS TO EARNESTLY CONTRIB- UTE TO THE PURSUIT OF PEACE.” President Erdoğan highlighted that during their discussions, the fore- most issue emphasized with their counterparts was the resolution of the Palestinian conflict in accordance with international law, fostering en- during peace and stability in the region. 612 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE October 9, 2023 Ankara, Türkiye Following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a press statement. “WE WILL NOT TOLERATE THE SHEDDING OF INNOCENT BLOOD, WHETHER ON ISRAELI OR PALESTINIAN SOIL.” Stating that Türkiye’s stance has been clear from the very beginning, Er- doğan reiterated, “Despite occasional interruptions, we have maintained diplomatic relations with the State of Israel since 1949. Nonetheless, Türkiye contends that genuine regional peace necessitates the establish- ment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state, territorially con- tiguous, with al-Quds as its capital within the 1967 borders. Persistently harassing the Palestinian people, disregarding their security, confiscat- ing their homes and lands, destroying infrastructure, and impeding de- velopment will not resolve the region’s problems. Such actions will only exacerbate unrest, escalate conflicts, increase bloodshed, and ultimately hinder the pursuit of peace. Israel’s disregard for the fundamental rights of Palestinians not only undermines their security but also jeopardizes the safety of its own citizens, as evidenced by recent events. We urge the Israeli government to cease its bombardment of Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza, and call on Palestinians to refrain from tar- geting Israeli civilian settlements. Exercising restraint will pave the way for peace. This is a time for prudence, statesmanship, and compassion, not impulsivity. Türkiye stands ready for mediation, including facilitat- ing prisoner exchanges, upon request from the concerned parties. We are actively engaging in diplomatic efforts, which have been ongo- ing and intensified over the past three days. Today, I held constructive phone discussions with President Abbas of Palestine and President Her- zog of Israel. I conveyed our sincere condolences for the loss of civilian lives to both leaders. We reiterated our commitment to doing everything possible to halt the clashes and restore calm promptly.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 613 October 11, 2023 Ankara, Türkiye “ALL PARTIES MUST REFRAIN FROM IMPULSIVE ACTIONS AIMED AT COLLECTIVELY PUNISHING THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE.” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the AK Party Group Meeting at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. President Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s clear stance against terrorism and involvement in regional conflicts, including the ongoing develop- ments in Palestinian and Israeli territories, which are extending into the Golan Heights. “WE SEEK AN END TO BLOODSHED IN GAZA, ISRAEL, SYRIA, AND UKRAINE.” Highlighting the importance of dialogue, President Erdoğan said he had frequent phone conversations with regional leaders. He expressed hope that these close communications could be used to build peace through- out the region. “We don’t want to see any more innocent lives lost – chil- dren, civilians, whomever – in Gaza, Israel, Syria, or Ukraine,” he said and added, Recent events underscore the relevance of our statement, ‘The world is bigger than five.’ We will continue to voice this objection with even greater vigor in the future.” “WE VEHEMENTLY OPPOSE ANY ACTION THAT UNDERMINES THE SANCTITY OF THE HARAM AL-SHARIF.” Erdoğan stressed that enduring peace in the region can only be achieved through the recognition of an independent Palestinian state, in accor- dance with United Nations resolutions, based on the 1967 borders with East al-Quds as its capital. He emphasized that deviating from this path would only lead to further destruction, sorrow, and loss of life. President Erdoğan said, “We have not accepted and will not accept any step or action that does not respect the sanctity of al-Quds, which con- 614 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE tains the holy places of the three Abrahamic religions, and the status of the Haram al-Sharif, which includes the Al-Aqsa Mosque.” October 13, 2023 Istanbul, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the Palestinian issue during his speech at the Closing Ceremony of the 4th Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum held at the Istanbul Congress Center. Erdoğan expressed concern over the recent escalation of tensions be- tween Israel and Palestine, against the backdrop of the ongoing Rus- sia-Ukraine conflict. He noted that these events deeply unsettled many and raised fears of further escalation and regional repercussions. President Erdoğan said: “We categorically reject and will never condone attacks on mosques, hospitals, or civilian settlements. It is widely ac- knowledged that the blockade has worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, rendering the region susceptible to provocations. Depriving 2 million people living in a cramped area of 360 square kilometers of elec- tricity, water, fuel, and food constitutes a grave violation of their funda- mental human rights. Imposing collective punishment on the people of Gaza will only exacerbate the situation, leading to more suffering, ten- sion, and tears.” President Erdoğan noted that AFAD was actively preparing to deliver additional aid materials to the region and added: “While we and other countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are pro- viding humanitarian aid, it is disconcerting to see talk of sending aircraft carriers by countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Is this consistent with the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?” President Erdoğan announced, “In close collaboration with the brother- ly Egyptian authorities, we will persist in delivering humanitarian aid to TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 615 Gaza. The decision to cut off humanitarian aid to the Palestinians, while millions face the threat of starvation, marks a new stain of shame on the reputation of those who made this choice.” President Erdoğan criticized the deployment of aircraft carriers to the region by the United States, their NATO partner, stating that it does not promote peace, dialogue, diplomacy, or the reduction of tension be- tween the parties: “Now, more importantly, America’s Secretary of State is meeting with my Minister of Foreign Affairs. ‘Approaching Israel not just as a Foreign Minister but as a Jew,’ he says. What kind of politician adopts such an approach? If one declares such an approach, how should they respond if their opponents claim, ‘I too approach the region as a Muslim’?” President Erdoğan reiterated that recent events underscore the necessi- ty of establishing an independent, sovereign Palestinian State with East al-Quds as its capital, within the 1967 borders, for lasting peace in the region. October 25, 2023 Ankara, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the AK Party Group Meeting at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Continuing his speech after the screening of a video on the process of Türkiye’s support for the Palestinian cause, President Erdoğan said that they look at the Palestinian issue primarily from the human perspective and that they defend human beings, human life and the ancient values that make human beings human, as in other regions. President Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows: “Nearly half of the casualties in Israel’s assaults on Gaza are children, while the other half includes their mothers and elders. This stark reality alone demonstrates that the objective was not self-defense but a deliberate atrocity aimed at 616 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE perpetrating crimes against humanity. No other state or military force in the world engages in relentless aerial bombardment of cities, setting hos- pitals, places of worship, schools, markets, buildings, and streets ablaze, continuing this inhumane act with tanks, artillery, and firearms, all to target children. I address both Israel and the international community, while they convene meetings. At their latest gathering, they once again label Hamas as a terrorist organization. Israel, you may be an organiza- tion. While the West may be indebted to you, Türkiye owes you nothing. Hamas is not a terrorist organization, but rather a group fighting for lib- eration and protecting their land and citizens as mujahideen. Recounting an encounter where he shook hands with Israeli Prime Min- ister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Turkish House in the U.S., President Erdoğan expressed disappointment, stating, “We extended goodwill, but it was misused. We had plans to visit Israel, but they have been canceled; we will not proceed with them. Had there been genuine goodwill, our re- lations might have taken a different path. Unfortunately, that possibility has been forfeited due to the exploitation of our trust.” Highlighting the contrast between those who advocate democracy, hu- man rights, pluralism, and polyphony in speech and their authoritarian actions, President Erdoğan continued, saying: “Our country’s doors are open wide to university students and other individuals who face chal- lenges in their home countries simply because of their honorable stance. Shedding tears for Israel while ignoring the atrocities in Gaza demon- strates the epitome of dishonesty among Western powers. This hypoc- risy is glaring, particularly when those who recently rallied support for Ukraine’s war victims now turn a blind eye to the brutalities in Gaza.” President Erdoğan elaborated: “When the powers on whose backs Israel leans today pack up and leave tomorrow to put out the fire in their own homes, Türkiye will be their first destination for safety and mercy, just as it was five centuries ago. Our call to the Israeli government and soci- ety is to refrain from actions that could undermine centuries-old bonds TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 617 of compassion and heed our plea for peace. We are aware that the pow- ers that have surrounded us with the cruelty that drowned these lands, which are home to the oldest settlements in the world, in blood and destruction, for a century, have no interest in a resolution now. Those who fuel the problem certainly do not seek a solution. Because for them, the more exacerbated and more ramified the crisis, the better the gain. Provocative statements and actions since October 7, when the crisis be- gan, are testament to this.” Proposing their guarantor institution as the most practical and endur- ing solution in the short and medium term, President Erdoğan stated, “We stand ready to act as guarantors for the Palestinian cause, offering humanitarian, political, and military support. We call upon nations of goodwill to consider our proposal seriously, take concrete steps, and ex- pedite the path to peace.” October 28, 2023 Istanbul, Türkiye “The plight of Gaza concerns us all, not just those struggling to survive there.” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accompanied by his wife Emine Er- doğan, participated in the Great Palestine Rally organized by the AK Party Istanbul Provincial Presidency at Atatürk Airport and delivered a speech. President Erdoğan expressed gratitude to the rally participants on be- half of himself and the nation for their support of the Palestinian cause and their encouragement to the oppressed people of Gaza. He stated, “I commemorate with mercy all the martyrs, veterans and heroes of our ancestors who left this land to us as a homeland. From the Anatolian Seljuk Empire to the Ottoman Empire and the Republic, I express my 618 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE heartfelt gratitude to those who contributed to the establishment and continuity of our nation, asserting our sovereignty over our homeland.” “STANDING IN SOLIDARITY WITH GAZA” Conveying his appreciation to all those who toil to triumphantly fly the Turkish flag and let the call to prayer reverberate through Türkiye un- til the end of time, President Erdoğan added: “My fellow citizens, your presence today manifests the greatness of our nation in a distinct man- ner. We are such a great nation and state that neither our power, nor our problems, nor our struggle can only be confined to our own borders. To- morrow marks the centennial celebration of the founding of our Repub- lic, and today we raise our voices in solidarity with Gaza. “Just as in the past, in Thrace, the Balkans, the Caucasus, every corner of the Eastern Mediterranean, Central Asia, South Asia, and throughout Africa...” Quoting the verses of the National Poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy, “Once upon a time, we were a nation, and what a nation we were. We enlightened the world on the essence of nationality!”, President Erdoğan remarked, “In essence, wherever our influence reaches, we stand in unity for Gaza, just as we do for our brothers and sisters who turn to us, seeking solace, assistance, and open borders in their times of need.” “THE TURKISH NATION HAS ALWAYS STOOD BY THE OPPRESSED IN THE FACE OF OPPRESSION” Highlighting the unfortunate indebtedness of Western nations to Israel, President Erdoğan said, “Their debts shackle their tongues; they come to visit you, seeking pardon.” This is not what we want. Our allegiance lies with the oppressed. What does the poet say? I refuse to applaud op- pression, I will never embrace the oppressor, I won’t denounce the past to satisfy the future. If someone attacks my ancestors, I’ll confront them, even if it means grappling with them. If I can’t confront them physically, I’ll distance myself from them. I won’t follow morally bankrupt leaders, nor will I endorse injustice in the name of righteousness, even if it costs me my life. I’ve cherished freedom since birth; I’ve never been enslaved TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 619 by material wealth. If I appear gentle, it’s not because I’m docile. I may be wounded, but I won’t yield.” “WHAT WE SEE IN GAZA IS NOTHING CLOSE TO DEFENSE, BUT AN UNABATED MASSACRE” President Erdoğan remarked, “The recent actions of the West once again reveal their transgressions. Every nation indeed has the right to self-de- fense. But where is justice? In Gaza, there is no defense, only a reprehen- sible massacre unfolds. They seek to decimate Gaza’s people through starvation, dehydration, fuel shortages, and the collapse of essential ser- vices, which they wield as weapons.” Reflecting on his past speech in Davos, President Erdoğan continued: “Remember what I said, ‘You know how to kill.’ They do indeed know how to kill. In the past, they were engaged in genocidal acts, exterminat- ing Jews in gas chambers and obliterating cities and their inhabitants with atomic bombs. Today, my brothers and sisters, the same mindset pervades Gaza. We have witnessed these atrocities in Karabakh, Bosnia, Iraq, Syria, Arakan, and across Africa. They are either directly or indi- rectly complicit in these horrors. “That’s why the plight of Gaza concerns us all, not just those struggling to survive there.” “I EXTEND MY NATION’S SALUTATION TO THE RESOLVE OF GAZA’S INHABITANTS TO DEFEND THEIR CITY” “Faith and resilience possess such strength that, as our forebears say, they can turn water into milk,” President Erdoğan remarked, adding, “Faith is a divine gem. A heart devoid of faith is like a rusty burden.” President Erdoğan also conveyed the steadfastness of the Palestinian people with the following words: “I’ll defend every inch of my homeland with my last breath; I have no desire for another land in its place. Even if they were to hang me from my own veins, I’d still be here, imprisoned by my love. I’m here, circling my home, guarding it steadfastly. They can’t break me, no matter how many crosses they place upon my shoulders. 620 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE I’m here, embracing you, holding you, with my hands, I’ll defend every inch of my homeland with my last breath.” Quoting Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish’s verses, “Missiles from you, stones from us / Swords from you, blood from us / Fire from you, life from us / Take your clocks from our time / And leave, don’t soil our innocent hands / Remove your grasp from our sustenance and hospital- ity / From our wounds, water and earth / Take your share of our blood, then leave,” President Erdoğan affirmed that the day will come when op- pressors will depart from the lives of the Palestinian people. “THERE’S THE REALITY WE HAVE TO FACE THAT ISRAEL’S STEADY ATTACKS HAVE DISPLACED THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE” President Erdoğan underscored that throughout human history, the op- pression of oppressors has never endured indefinitely, and that Israel’s 75-year-long, uninterrupted oppression will eventually come to an end. Highlighting that when their own homes are in jeopardy, the Western nations Israel relies on will withdraw, President Erdoğan stressed that Israel will be faced with the people it has oppressed for 75 years in this region, alongside their brothers and sisters, alone. President Erdoğan affirmed that Türkiye will be the beacon of hope for these people, as it was 500 years ago, as it was during the Second World War, standing alongside every oppressed population in their hour of need. He stated: “I once again urge the Israeli administration: Do not un- dermine the Turkish people’s compassionate sentiments with unworthy actions, attitudes, and words that betray your dignity, stature, and hu- manity. Be assured that, just as your forebears did, you and your descen- dants will require this assistance in the future; you will need Türkiye. Listen to us today, so you will not dismiss the helping hands extended to you in the future. Embrace our call today to aid the oppressed, to open the gates of dialog for peacebuilding. Take a constructive step today, per- haps for the first time in your lives, for the sake of your future and that of your children.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 621 Affirming their belief in the fairness of a just peace and urging their coun- terparts to align with the same principle, President Erdoğan remarked, “Do not overlook the reality in Palestine, where Israel has incrementally stripped them of their homes, land, livelihoods, and lives through relent- less assaults since its inception. The Palestinian people, who fiercely re- sist this oppression, are just as deserving of the land of Palestine as they are of their mother’s milk.” Certainly, within this environment steeped in fire and blood, there have been regrettable incidents. However, none of these occurrences justify campaigns aimed at discrediting the Palestin- ian people’s resistance under various pretexts.” President Erdoğan commented on the United Nations General Assem- bly’s adoption of a draft resolution urging for “an immediate, perma- nent, and lasting humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and a cessation of hostilities,” stating, “Oh, Israel. The United Nations has spoken; what transpired? A total of 120 countries called on Israel to consent to a cease- fire. 40 nations abstained from voting. 13-14 countries sided with Isra- el. Thus, Israel, you are destined to stand isolated in the world, starting from now. This is how it appears. Nothing you can do will reverse this. And now, the United Nations has taken a commendable step by issuing this resolution.” Addressing the loss of civilian lives in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, President Erdoğan remarked: “We do not condone attacks on civilians within Israeli territory either. We have reiterated this stance on every oc- casion. There are moral principles and legal norms in warfare. Targeting civilians is both immoral and illegal. Moreover, the true extent of civilian casualties within Israeli territory has yet to be properly acknowledged. Nevertheless, we mourn every civilian life lost in any manner. But does Israel share this concern? Israel demonstrates no qualms about taking lives. They openly declare, ‘We know how to kill.’ Yet, they should be aware that they will inevitably face grave consequences for this. Ignor- ing the suffering of the oppressed will not shield them forever. One day, the anguish of these children, these women, these Gazans will strike them deeply.” 622 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Expressing his appreciation for the passionate demonstration at Atatürk Airport, President Erdoğan remarked, “On behalf of myself and my na- tion, I wholeheartedly salute the righteous indignation emanating from your hearts and I sincerely commend you. We couldn’t have turned a blind eye to the brutal slaughter of children, women, and innocent civil- ians in Gaza. And today, that’s precisely what you’ve shown, all 1.5 mil- lion of you gathered here in Istanbul. May Allah bless you. May Allah help us inshallah. Thank you.” Following his speech, President Erdoğan invited the participants to re- cite Surah Fatiha in memory of all the martyrs. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 623 October 29, 2023 Istanbul, Türkiye “THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKIYE IS A COUNTRY THAT IS THE ‘PROTEC- TOR OF THE UNPROTECTED’ IN ITS REGION AND IN THE WORLD, JUST AS GHAZI DESIRED” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the nation on the occasion of the Republic’s 100th anniversary. President Erdoğan, accompanied by his wife Emine Erdoğan, took the stage at 19:23 to deliver his speech at Vahdettin Mansion on the 100th anniversary of the Republic and extended his congratulations for the 29th of October Republic Day to Turks both in Türkiye and abroad. In his speech, he also touched upon the developments in Palestine. President Erdoğan stated that the purpose of the establishment of the Republic was, in the words of its founder, “to be “nobody for the or- phans” and added, “The Republic gained this quality in our era. Today, the Republic of Türkiye is a country that is the ‘protector of the unpro- tected’ in its region and in the world, just as Ghazi desired. From the Balkans to the Caucasus, from Karabakh to Africa, from Turkestan to Palestine, wherever there is an oppressed, victimized and needy person, 624 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE it is Türkiye that rushes to help, takes them by the hand, lifts them up, and solves their problems.” Noting that they have displayed this attitude before in Korea, Cyprus, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Yemen, and most recently in Karabakh, President Er- doğan said, “Today, we show the same stance for Palestine and Gaza, about which Ghazi said ‘no one can lay a hand on’, and we are trying to help the people of Gaza. The ‘Great Palestine Rally’, which took place yesterday with the participation of over 1.5 million people, was a part of this effort. Even though some people who have no sense of history, who do not know Ghazi Mustafa Kemal’s struggle, who do not understand why the Republic was founded may seek different intentions, we did not only demonstrate our solidarity with Palestine yesterday. With this rally, we once again announced to the whole world our determination to pro- tect our independence and future, which we have extended to the whole of our kindred geography. November 3, 2023 Astana, Kazakhstan “AN UNPRECEDENTED HUMANITARIAN TRAGEDY IS UNFOLDING IN PALESTINE” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at the 10th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), hosted un- der the theme of ‘Turk Time’ by President Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev of Kazakhstan at the Akorda Presidential Palace in Astana. President Erdoğan underscored the values of Turkish culture and civi- lization, emphasizing the importance of justice, standing with the op- pressed, and speaking out against injustice in his remarks on Palestine. An unprecedented humanitarian tragedy is unfolding in Palestine before the eyes of the entire world. Hospitals, schools, mosques, churches and refugee camps are being bombed. Innocent children are being massacred mercilessly. There are no words that can justify what we have been wit- TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 625 nessing since October 7. To be clear, crimes against humanity have been being committed in Gaza for exactly 28 days. As Türkiye, we have dis- played a principled and humanitarian stance since this crisis first erupt- ed. We have been telling at every opportunity that we do not approve of acts that target civilians. Our priority is the declaration of humanitarian ceasefire rapidly. We have been working on new mechanisms, as well, that could ensure security for everyone regardless of whether they are Muslims, Christians or Jews. Our endeavors continue to lay the foundation of an International Peace Conference. We have sent 10 planeloads of humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza so far, and will continue to send more as circumstances on the ground allow. Acting in unity and solidarity as the Turkic world will pave the way first for a ceasefire and then permanent peace. The stance we are to display as the Organization of Turkic States will also set an example for other organizations.” November 9, 2023 Tashkent, Uzbekistan “THE STANCE WE AS THE ECO ARE TO DISPLAY IS VERY IMPOR- TANT FOR THE CESSATION OF THE BLOODSHED IN GAZA.” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at the 16th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization in Uzbekistan’s capital, Tash- kent. President Erdoğan said: “We are going through a period when we are confronted with major challenges at a global scale. The wounds caused by the coronavirus pandemic in global economy and trade have yet to be healed. Afterwards, we came face to face with the destructive consequ- ences of the Russia-Ukraine war, which erupted in our near geography. The inflation, triggered by the exorbitant hike in energy and food prices, reached the highest levels of the last six or seven decades, further aggra- vating the troubles. While we were seeking effective ways to cope with these existing difficulties, the conflicts that broke out on the Palestinian lands under occupation wounded our hearts further.” 626 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “WESTERN COUNTRIES JUST WATCH ISRAEL’S MASSACRES FROM A DISTANCE” Noting that Israeli attacks on Gaza are in their 34th day, President Er- doğan stated: “Women and children account for 73 percent of the nearly 11 thousand Gazans brutally killed by Israel. The Israeli administrati- on, fully supported by Western countries, continues to bomb schools, mosques, hospitals, universities and civilian settlements, infringing on all the values of humanity. We are faced with a fanaticism that legitimi- zes even the massacring of children.” President Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows: “Yet, the Western countries that always talk about human rights, freedoms and democracy just watch Israel’s massacres from a distance. These countries and enti- ties are incapable of calling for ceasefire, let alone criticize murderers of children. Those who turn a blind eye to the burning of our sacred book, the Holy Quran, under the excuse of freedom of thought cannot even tolerate the Palestinian flag. Many more instances can be counted attes- ting to the hypocrisy we have been witnessing since October 7. The de- velopments remind us of the fact that we as Muslims have to strengthen our unity. We continue our diplomatic efforts to achieve humanitarian ceasefire and prevent the spread of the conflicts.” President Erdoğan stated that an international meeting would be held in Istanbul on November 15 with the participation of the spouses of the heads of state and government under the auspices of his wife, Emine Erdoğan and that strong solidarity would therefore be displayed to alle- viate our Gazan brothers and sisters’ suffering. The stance we as the Economic Cooperation Organization are to display is very important for the cessation of the bloodshed in Gaza. It is of ut- most importance for us to raise our voices collectively to defend our Pa- lestinian cause,” said the President. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 627 November 11, 2023 Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at the 8th Extraordinary Islamic Summit organized to address Israel’s attacks on the occupied Palestin- ian territories, especially Gaza, and the Palestinian people. Starting his speech by thanking Hadimul Harameyn Sharifeyn, King Sal- man bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Erdoğan said: “I hope that the summit will yield aus- picious developments for the Palestinians and the Muslim world. With today’s meeting, we as the Islamic world show in a clear manner our sol- idarity with the Palestinian people. We will consolidate this solidarity message with the decisions we will take and implement.” “THOSE WHO REMAIN SILENT IN THE FACE OF OPPRESSION ARE AS MUCH AN ACCOMPLICE IN THE BLOODSHED AS THE OPPRES- SORS” Noting that the heads of state and government who held a rally in the af- termath of the Charlie Hebdo attack now take no action for Gaza where over 12 thousand people have been massacred, President Erdoğan stat- ed: “This is not only impotence but also cowardice and unscrupulous- ness. Those who remain silent in the face of oppression are as much an accomplice in the bloodshed as the oppressors. The U.S. and the Western countries have sacrificed all the values they claim to be defending for the Israeli administration’s ambitions. The resolution adopted at the United Nations General Assembly with 121 yes votes show how lonely the Israeli administration and its supporters are.” Describing the voices rising in all corners of the world against the Israeli massacres as a source of hope, President Erdoğan stated: “We expect the administrations supporting Israel to give ear to this outcry. As different than other crises, the Islamic world has this time taken a stance in soli- darity and unity. I particularly congratulate the countries working, just like us, to stop the conflicts and deliver humanitarian aid to the region.” 628 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “WE BELIEVE THAT A FUND SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION TO REBUILD GAZA” Stressing that such an issue which has the potential to put at risk the fu- ture of not only the region but of the whole humanity, President Erdoğan said: “Another critical issue is the reparations. The factor that makes Israel more reckless every time is that it doesn’t pay reparations to the people whom it oppresses and whose lands it occupies and annihilates. The Israeli government, which behaves like the spoiled child of the West, is obligated to make amends for the harm it has caused. Until this hap- pens, we as the Islamic world cannot leave our Palestinian brothers and sisters unprotected and helpless. We believe that a fund should be estab- lished within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to rebuild Gaza.” Stressing that Türkiye will never refrain from providing every kind of support for Gaza’s revival and reconstruction, President Erdoğan stated: “It is important that we turn this crisis into an instrument of permanent solution of the Palestinian issue. As long as the Palestine issue is neglect- ed, normalization efforts in the region are doomed to fail. And the way to a permanent solution is through the elimination of the main causes. This can be achieved only if a sovereign and geographically integrated State of Palestine, with al-Quds as its capital, is established within the 1967 borders. We are of the opinion that the International Peace Con- ference, which we have put forward, serves as the best platform in this direction. It also appears that new mechanisms are necessary to ensure the security of our Palestinian brothers and sisters. We are ready to make the necessary efforts, including as a guarantor, to maintain the peace that will be established.” “IT IS OUR WISH THAT AL QUDS AND ALL PALESTINIAN LANDS RE- TURN TO THEIR OLD DAYS” President Erdoğan said: “Lasting peace will ensure calm and welfare not only for the Palestinians but for the entire region, including the Israeli people. We should also be on high alert against the violation of the sanc- tity and the historical status of Al Haram Al Sharif, which also houses our first qiblah, Al Aqsa Mosque. It is highly probable for Israel to take advantage of the ongoing incidents to engage in faits accomplis regard- TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 629 ing Al Haram Al Sharif. This is best evidenced by the delusions of ‘prom- ised lands’ that threaten the territorial integrity of many countries in the region, Türkiye included. As I always say, Al Quds is our red line. It is our wish that Al Quds, the city of peace, and all Palestinian lands return to their old days. We hope that our Palestinian brothers and sisters put an end to their disagreements and defend their rights in unity and solidar- ity.” November 22, 2023 Virtual G-20 Summit Speaking at the G20 Leaders’ Summit, President Erdoğan said: “The tragedy unfolding in the occupied Palestinian territories, Gaza in par- ticular, has now exceeded the limits of humanity’s tolerance. November 20th, which was 2 days ago, was the World Children’s Day. Unfortunate- ly, nearly seven thousand innocent Palestinian children did not live to see that day.” Thanking Prime Minister Modi of India for bringing together the G20 leaders once again after the New Delhi Summit, President Erdoğan said: “Our last summit reaffirmed the leading role of the G20 in addressing global challenges.” “WAR CRIMES AND CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY ARE OPENLY BE- ING COMMITTED IN GAZA” “Since the New Delhi Summit, the global challenges we face have unfor- tunately become more diversified and complicated,” President Erdoğan said: “The effectiveness of the multilateral system is increasingly ques- tioned with every passing day. While the war in Ukraine continued, we woke up to another crisis on October 7th. The tragedy unfolding in the occupied Palestinian territories, Gaza in particular, has now exceeded the limits of humanity’s tolerance. November 20th, which was 2 days ago, was the World Children’s Day. Unfortunately, nearly seven thou- sand innocent Palestinian children did not live to see that day, because the Israeli government took away the most basic right of these children, 630 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE their right to live. It condemned them to death by cutting off their water, electricity, food and fuel. It has forced Palestinians to migrate from their homeland; it has mercilessly bombed the hospitals, schools, camps, plac- es of worship and churches where they took refuge in a last hope to es- cape death. It has even threatened to use nuclear bombs, the existence of which they have always denied. As any conscientious person can attest to, none of these events can be explained with the right to self-defense. War crimes and crimes against humanity are openly being committed in Gaza. Those who commit these crimes must be held accountable to international law as well as the conscience of humanity.” “We in no way justify actions against civilians and we do not consider them legitimate,” President Erdoğan said. “I call on all leaders here to react in the same way to civilian deaths, without discriminating among them as Israeli-Palestinian, Jewish-Muslim-Christian.” Describing the declaration of a four-day humanitarian pause and the agreement to ex- change of hostages and detainees, albeit a limited number of them, as a positive development, President Erdoğan said: “I hope that this step will lead to a lasting ceasefire and peace, which is our priority and which we expect to be established as soon as possible.” “WE ARE READY TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY WITH OTHER COUN- TRIES IN THE NEW SECURITY ARCHITECTURE” “We are closely following the talks on the establishment of a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages,” President Erdoğan said. “With the latest developments, we have all seen once again the importance of the estab- lishment of an independent State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East al-Quds as its capital, living in peace side by side with Israel.” Calling on the leaders to take the initiative for a two-state solution as soon as possible, President Erdoğan said: “As Türkiye, we are ready to assume responsibility with other countries in the new security architec- ture that needs to be established, including guarantorship.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 631 December 4, 2023 Istanbul, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at the opening event of the 39th Ministerial Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of the Islamic Cooper- ation (COMCEC) in Istanbul. Addressing the gathering, President Erdoğan expressed his hope that the meeting would contribute to addressing global challenges. He ex- tended his greetings to the Palestinians who steadfastly defend their homeland amidst Israel’s unjust assaults and conveyed his regards to Muslims worldwide facing various struggles. President Erdoğan further stressed: “As Muslims, we say ‘A fairer world is possible.’ Working in this direction is our responsibility not only to- wards our own citizens but also towards future generations. Of course, we will not stand idly by while doing this but will make full use of all the means and capabilities at our disposal. The Organization of Islamic Conference, whose raison d’être is to promote the Palestinian cause, offers an important platform for us to wage this struggle as one body and one voice.” “ISRAEL IS INCREASINGLY BEING RECOGNIZED NOT ONLY AS A THIEF BUT ALSO AS A MURDERER IN THE INTERNATIONAL ARE- NA” President Erdoğan said: “As the Islamic world, we showed our stance on the Palestine issue during the extraordinary Riyadh summit held jointly with the Arab League. During the summit, we took decisions of a truly milestone nature, particularly the designation of occupier settlers as a terrorist for the first time.” President Erdoğan went onto say: “Israel is increasingly being recog- nized not only as a thief but also as a murderer in the international are- 632 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE na. The Foreign Ministers Contact Group, formed during the summit, held talks in various countries. These talks will continue until the blood- shed in Gaza stops.” December 5, 2023 Doha, Qatar Addressing the 44th Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council, President Erdoğan said: “The loss of lives of 17 thousand innocent Palestinians, most of them children and women, is a crime against humanity, a war crime. Israel mustn’t get away with the crimes it has committed.” “OUR STANCE IN THE GAZA CRISIS HAS SET AN EXAMPLE” Reminding that they have shown their solidarity with the Palestinian people through the Extraordinary Joint Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League held in Riyadh, President Er- doğan stated: “Our common stance in the Gaza crisis has set an example in terms of addressing our problems as the regional countries. It is im- portant that we follow up the decisions taken at the Summit. The For- eign Ministers Contact Group has held talks in several countries. They will continue their meetings. We appreciate Qatar’s efforts for the brief temporary humanitarian pause and exchange of prisoners of war. Of course, we wanted this pause to turn into a lasting ceasefire, but it did not happen. The Israeli administration is jeopardizing the security and future of our entire region in order to extend its political life. The loss of lives of 17 thousand innocent Palestinians, most of them children and women, is a crime against humanity, a war crime. Israel mustn’t get away with the crimes it has committed. We as Türkiye increasingly maintain our humanitarian aid to the region. We have thus far sent 12 planeloads and 2 civilian shiploads of aid supply to Al Arish. We have ensured the evacuation of the injured, first and foremost cancer patients and chil- dren, to Türkiye. Our priority is the immediate announcement of a last- ing ceasefire and the ensuring of an uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 633 “With the latest developments, the importance of the formation of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with Al Quds as its capital, has once again been seen. To that end, we have announced that we, with the countries in the region, stand ready to as- sume any responsibility, including guarantorship. We should not allow the oppression in Gaza to turn into a regional war that will include Syria as well,” President Erdoğan stressed. December 9, 2023 Istanbul, Türkiye Addressing the World Human Rights Day Face of Humanity Program held at the Haliç Congress Center in Istanbul, President Erdoğan said: “The brutality of the oppression and massacres committed in Gaza by the Israeli administration, which receives unlimited support from West- ern countries, would make all humanity feel ashamed.” “INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS ARE NOT TAKING ANY CON- CRETE STEPS AGAINST THE ATROCITIES IN GAZA” Noting that over 18 thousand Gazans have been martyred in Israel’s in- discriminate attacks so far, President Erdoğan said: “In Ramallah, nearly 300 Palestinians died a martyr’s death due to the attacks of the terror- ists, called settlers, and the Israeli security forces. Two out of every three Palestinians brutally murdered by Israel are either women or children. Innocent infants whose white shrouds their fathers and mothers hug in tears have been ingrained in our memories as the symbols of Israel’s atrocities. The brutality of the oppression and massacres committed in Gaza by the Israeli administration, which receives unlimited support from Western countries, would make all humanity feel ashamed. All the civilian settlements, from places of worship to schools, from hospitals to refugee camps, from homes to marketplaces, which should not be touched even during wartime, are being maliciously bombarded by Isra- el. Two thirds of the buildings in Gaza have either been totally destroyed or severely damaged, or rendered uninhabitable.” 634 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Reminding that a ceasefire resolution couldn’t be adopted due to U.S. veto in last night’s vote, President Erdoğan continued his words as fol- lows: “The result unfortunately didn’t change even though 13 countries, including some permanent members, voted in favor of the draft resolu- tion. It has once again been proven that the World is bigger than five. It is a must for the United Nations Security Council to be reformed. Hu- manity’s progress is hindered by the inadequacy of the United Nations and its Security Council. We are not only talking about this here, I am saying this as a leader who used these exact words in the United Nations General Assembly.” “THE ‘BUTCHERS OF GAZA’ MUST STAND TRIAL IN INTERNATION- AL COURTS FOR THEIR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY” Noting that they believed that this incapable and dysfunctional struc- ture of the United Nations would be questioned by the entire world with the atrocities in Gaza, President Erdoğan added: “Let me talk frankly, nothing in Gaza can continue as they are. The oppression, brutality and barbarity displayed in the occupied Palestinian territories mush defi- nitely be punished both in the conscience of humanity and before law. The ‘Butchers of Gaza’ must stand trial in international courts for their crimes against humanity and, Allah willing, they eventually will. We will follow up on this issue. We will do so on behalf of all humanity and the innocent Gazans to prevent the occurrence of similar tragedies.” “We will steadfastly strive to prevent such tragedies from recurring, en- suring that parents need not mourn over their children’s shattered lives, and that oppressors are held accountable for their cruelty. Our aim is to instill confidence in the hearts of innocent people worldwide regarding their future. We will continue to raise our voices for the children, moth- ers, and fathers of Gaza, who embrace their loved ones amidst tears. May Allah grant patience, resilience, and strength to our brothers and sisters in Gaza.” President Erdoğan warned that those who support or condone the Is- raeli administration’s terrorist acts will face public scrutiny, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to justice, and said: “Even if we stand alone and face consequences, we will unwaveringly champion what is right.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 635 January 24, 2024 Ankara, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi held a joint press conference following the 8th Meeting of the Türkiye-Iran High-Level Cooperation Council and the signing cere- mony of agreements at the Presidential Complex. “During today’s meeting, we have discussed areas of concrete coopera- tion as well as regional and international relations, particularly Israel’s attacks on Gaza and occupied Palestinian lands. We exchanged views on the issues that are on our common agenda from the fight against terror to energy, trade to education. We have followed up on the decisions we had taken in the former council meetings,” said the President. “THE PALESTINIAN ISSUE IS IN THE FOCUS OF BOTH TÜRKİYE AND IRAN” Noting that the resolution of the problems experienced by our business communities would significantly contribute to these efforts, President Erdoğan said: “With my dear brother Mr. Raisi, we have exchanged views on the latest developments in Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and South Caucasia. The Palestinian issue is in the focus of both Türkiye and Iran. Our Foreign Minister attended the UN Security Council meet- ing on Palestine yesterday in New York. They maintained our efforts aimed at safeguarding our Gazan brothers and sisters’ security, welfare and future. As Türkiye, we have sent over 30 thousand tons of humanitarian aid ma- terials, including 26 thousand tons of flour, to Al Arish since October 7. During our talks, we have discussed the need to take urgent steps to immediately stop Israel’s inhumane attacks on Gaza and establish a just and permanent peace,” said President Erdoğan, and added: “We have reaffirmed our support for Palestine’s just cause and refreshed our de- termination to continue our cooperation on this issue. We have agreed upon the importance of avoiding steps that would further jeopardize the security and stability of our region.” 636 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE February 12, 2024 Ankara, Türkiye “NETANYAHU ADMINISTRATION OVERSTEPS YET ANOTHER RED LINE EVERY DAY” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a press conference following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex and delivered the following remarks on the Palestinian issue: “Hitler-wannabe Net- anyahu administration oversteps yet another red line every day in its atrocity and massacre policy, which it has been continuing since October 7. This morning they have attacked Rafah, which has been declared as safe zone and where nearly 1.5 million people of Gaza, who were forcibly evicted from the north of Gaza, have taken shelter. During these attacks, whereby civilians have been directly targeted, our over 100 Gazan broth- ers and sisters have died a martyr’s dead and hundreds of others have been injured.” Further stressing that the reason for Israel’s recklessness is the hypocritical policy of Western powers, President Erdoğan noted that Western powers turn a blind eye to Netanyahu’s massacres and con- tinue to provide weapons and ammunition under the pretext of Hamas while seemingly calling for calm, and went on to say: “Unfortunately, we see that the Islamic world remains incapable of stopping Israel and of preventing the massacres or the oppression. During our visits to the UAE and Egypt, we will discuss what else we can do for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. We as Türkiye will continue to do our best to stop the bloodshed. May Allah aid the people of Gaza and our Palestinian brothers and sisters during these challenging times. May our visits be fruitful.” February 13, 2024 Dubai, United Arab Emirates President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech at the World Summit of Governments held at the Madinat Jumairah Mina Salam Conference Center under the theme “Shaping the Governments of the Future” as the TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 637 guest of honor and said, “If Israel wants lasting peace in the region, it must stop pursuing expansionist dreams and accept the existence of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. The path to peace, tranquility and economic development in our region lies with the establishment of a Palestinian state.” President Erdoğan thanked the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Prime Minister of the UAE and Emir of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their warm hospitality and expressed his pleasure to be in Dubai as the guest of honor. “FOR DECADES, ISRAEL HAS NOT ABANDONED ITS POLICIES OF OCCUPATION, USURPATION, DESTRUCTION” Stating that every unresolved issue reemerges in a more complicated form, President Erdoğan emphasized that problems cannot be resolved by sweeping them under the rug. “Every new incident demonstrates this fact once again,” President Er- doğan said: “The most recent and painful example of this is the crisis in Gaza. Regardless of the incident on October 7th of last year, the source of today’s crisis is the continued and increasing occupation of Palestinian territories despite United Nations resolutions. For decades, Israel, which considers itself above international law, has not abandoned its policies of occupation, usurpation, destruction and massacre.” “You do not need to go far to understand the magnitude of the injustices the Palestinian people are faced with,” President Erdoğan said. “Just looking at the maps of Israel-Palestine since 1948 is enough to show the gravity of the issue. As you know, once you get a correct diagnosis, you are half-way there in your treatment. If we do not correctly identify the source of the problem, we cannot find a solution. If Israel wants lasting peace in the region, it must stop pursuing expansionist dreams and ac- cept the existence of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. Ending both the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and the conflict that threatens to spill over the region depends first and foremost on Is- rael recognizing the most fundamental rights of the Palestinian people. Every step taken will be incomplete and the problem will remain un- 638 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE solved without the establishment of an independent, sovereign and geo- graphically integrated Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East al-Quds as its capital.” The President added: “Therefore, the path to peace, tranquility and economic development in our region lies with the establishment of a Palestinian state. We ex- pressed our readiness to assume responsibility, including as guarantors, together with other countries in the region for the establishment and maintenance of peace. In addition, we have made, are making and will make every effort in the face of the tragedy that has claimed the lives of more than 28 thousand innocent people, mostly children and women, injured nearly 70 thousand civilians, forced more than 1.5 million people to migrate and turned Gaza into a huge pile of rubble So far, we have sent 34 thousand tons of humanitarian aid to the region to be delivered to Gaza. We are hosting 380 patients along with their 344 attendants in Türkiye and providing treatment for them.” “WE WILL NEVER LEAVE OUR PALESTINIAN BROTHERS AND SIS- TERS WITHOUT A VOICE, HELPLESS AND ALONE.” Recalling Türkiye’s support for the steps taken in the international legal arena to pursue conviction for the war crimes and crimes against hu- manity committed against Gazans, President Erdoğan thanked the Re- public of South Africa and all countries, especially Africans, who took the initiative for justice to be done. President Erdoğan also thanked the countries that supported the resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in October and December 2023. “We will never leave our Palestinian brothers and sisters without a voice, helpless and alone. I would like to emphasize that we also deplore the recent escalation of character assassinations against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).” Highlighting the importance of increasing contributions to the Agency during these critical times, President Erdoğan said: “I call on all coun- tries with conscience to protect the UNRWA, which is the lifeline for 6 million refugees living in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and the occupied Pal- estinian territories. Look, I am saying all this not only as the President of a country with a Muslim population, but also as the son of a nation that opened its doors to Jews who were persecuted by the Inquisition TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 639 5 centuries ago and served al-Quds al-Sharif for 4 centuries in line with the maxim of Ibrahim Khalilullah.” Stating that they see that the irresponsible, reckless and ruthless poli- cies of the current Israeli administration are fueling anti-Semitism all over the world and that they are disturbed by this and are concerned for humanity, President Erdoğan said that the massacre in Gaza must be stopped as soon as possible before more blood is shed and more chil- dren and women die. February 14, 2024 Cairo, Egypt President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a joint press conference with Egyptian President Abdulfettah al-Sisi at the Ittihadiye Palace follow- ing their private and delegation meetings in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, where he paid an official visit. In the joint press conference with Egyptian President Sisi, President Er- doğan said: “We don’t want to see any conflicts, tensions or crises in Afri- ca, the Middle East or elsewhere in our kindred geography. Accordingly, we are determined to step up our talks with Egypt at all levels in order to establish peace and stability in our region.” “THE NETANYAHU ADMINISTRATION BLATANTLY CONTINUES ITS POLICY OF INVASION, DESTRUCTION AND MASSACRE” Stating that the human tragedy in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially in Gaza, was at the top of the agenda of his talks with Egyp- tian President al-Sisi, President Erdoğan said, “Our over 28 thousand Palestinian brothers and sisters, most of them children and women, have been martyrized and nearly 70 thousand innocent Palestinians wounded in Israel’s attacks. Mosques, churches, hospitals, schools and UN buildings, which are untouchable even in wartime, have been bom- barded. The Netanyahu administration blatantly continues its policy of invasion, destruction and massacre despite all the reactions.” 640 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Underlining that it is Türkiye’s top priority to ensure ceasefire as soon as possible and to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza without any imped- iment, President Erdoğan said: “We have dispatched over 34 thousand tons of humanitarian aid supplies to the region by planes and ships thus far. I hereby would like to highlight the Egyptian authorities’ support in the delivery of aids. I would like to thank the all the relevant institu- tions of Egypt, including the Red Crescent and the Ministry of Health and Population.” “WE WILL CONTINUE TO COOPERATE WITH OUR EGYPTIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS TO PUT AN END TO THE BLOODSHED IN GAZA” Noting that the developments in Libya, Sudan and Somalia were also discussed during their meeting, President Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s full support for the unity, peace and territorial integrity of these three brotherly countries, and added: “We don’t want to see any conflicts, ten- sions or crises in Africa, the Middle East or elsewhere in our kindred ge- ography. Accordingly, we are determined to step up our talks with Egypt at all levels in order to establish peace and stability in our region.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 641 March 1, 2024 Antalya, Türkiye Addressing the 3rd Antalya Diplomacy Forum, President Erdoğan said: “The international community can pay its debt to the Palestinian people only through the establishment of a Palestinian state. For this purpose, it is imperative to establish an independent, sovereign and geographically-integrated Palestinian state based on the 1967 bor- ders, with East al-Quds as its capital.” “WHAT IS UNFOLDING IN GAZA IS AN ATTEMPT AT GENOCIDE” Noting that the Istanbul Process, launched in Antalya, fell short of estab- lishing peace in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, which is in its third year, as it wasn’t given the necessary support, President Erdoğan stated: “A histor- ic opportunity to save tens of thousands of lives and to prevent suffering and destruction has been wasted, or rather, has been sabotaged. Yet, the rules-based international order’s real collapse has occurred in Gaza.” President Erdoğan said: “We have been following with a heavy heart the barbarism and massacres unfolding in Gaza since October 7, 2023. To date, 30 thousand Gazans, most of them children and women, have been martyred as a result of Israel’s deliberate attacks targeting civil- ian residential areas. Over 70 thousand Palestinians have been injured and about 2 million others forcefully displaced Let me express it very clearly that not only children, women and civilians have been brutally murdered in Gaza, but also billions of people’s confidence in the interna- tional system, justice and law has been shattered. We all have seen that the Universal Declaration Human Rights, the United Nations Security Council whose duty is to secure global peace, the European Union in- stitutions that always talk about rights and justice, international media outlets that keep speaking of impartiality, and in short all the structures that we have been advised to have faith and trust in throughout years are all incompetent and dysfunctional when what is at stake is Israel.” 642 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE President Erdoğan continued his words as follows: “What is unfolding in Gaza is by no means a war; it is an attempt at genocide because even wars have a code of conduct, etiquette and rules that should be adhered to. I am talking about a barbarism which condemns infants in their moth- ers’ arms to starvation, which treacherously and despicably bombards hospitals, churches, mosques, schools, universities, refugee camps, am- bulances and, like yesterday, civilians waiting in line for food aid. The incident that befell the six-year-old Hind Receb, whose car was hit by Israeli forces while she and her family were seeking shelter, has turned into a tragic story. In fact, this is also the story of the nearly 15 thousand innocent children killed in Gaza. For 12 days, we couldn’t save the life of a 6-year-old girl who was saying, ‘Will you come to take me away as the humanity, I am scared.’ Unfortunately, we couldn’t fulfill our responsi- bilities toward Hind and other Gazan children.” “I CALL UPON THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO SINCERELY SUPPORT GAZA AND THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE” President Erdoğan underlined that the Netanyahu administration bla- tantly continues its politics of destruction and massacres despite the In- ternational Court of Justice’s interim ruling ordering Israel to stop com- mitting genocide. “Western powers, which have been supporting Israel unconditionally since the very first day, are party to the bloodshed with their hypocritical policies saying ‘run with the hare and hunt with the hounds’. It is possible neither to stop the oppression in Palestine nor to regain confidence in the international system unless words are support- ed by deeds. The international community can pay its debt to the Pales- tinian people only through the establishment of a Palestinian state. For this purpose, it is imperative to establish an independent, sovereign and geographically-integrated Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East al-Quds as its capital,” the President underlined. President Erdoğan added: “For this purpose, Türkiye stands ready to undertake every kind of responsibility, including guarantorship. We will continue to give the necessary support to our Palestinian brothers and sisters and will provide all the contributions in our power to Gaza’s re- TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 643 covery. I once again call upon the international community to sincere- ly support Gaza and the Palestinian cause. I offer my gratitude to all the friends of Palestine who all across the world take to the streets to condemn the oppression and bravely shout out the truth despite all the pressures. I hope the forum may conduce to fruitful discussions on what can be done to prevent the recurrence of similar massacres in the future.” 644 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE March 5, 2024 Ankara, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held a joint press conference after their private and delegation meetings at the Presidential Complex. “Peace cannot prevail in the Middle East without a fair solution to the Israel-Palestine issue.” During the joint press conference with President Abbas of Palestine, President Erdoğan said: “It has become all the more obvious with the recent incidents that peace cannot prevail in the Middle East without a fair solution to the Israel-Palestine issue. Yet, the only path to lasting peace is the establishment of an independent, sovereign and geograph- ically-integrated Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East al-Quds as its capital.” Expressing his happiness to be hosting President Abbas and his del- egation in Türkiye, President Erdoğan said: “Türkiye and the Turkish nation have always defended the Palestine cause, with Palestine always having a special place in our heart.” “OUR PALESTINIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE GOING THROUGH ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT PERIODS IN THEIR HISTORY” Recalling that Palestinian President Abbas last visited Türkiye in July last year, President Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows: “During today’s talks, we have thoroughly discussed the latest situation in Pales- tine. Our Palestinian brothers and sisters are going through one of the most difficult periods in their history. 31 thousand Palestinians have been martyred in the attacks Israel has been carrying out against inno- cent people in Gaza and Ramallah since October 7. More than 72 thou- sand people have been injured. Nearly 2 million Palestinians have been forced to leave their homes. 2.3 million Palestinians have no access to daily basic needs. Israel has been massacring the Gazan people not only by starving them but also by showering bombs on innocent people. We have been witnessing one of the gravest barbarities of the last century TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 645 for exactly 151 days. With the unlimited support of Western powers, Ne- tanyahu and his crazed administration are committing a blatant geno- cide against the Palestinian people.” Offering his condolences to the Palestinian people on behalf of the Turk- ish nation, President Erdoğan prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the Pales- tinians who have been martyred in Israel’s attacks, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. “THEY WILL DEFINITELY BE HELD TO ACCOUNT FOR EVERY DROP OF BLOOD THEY SHED BEFORE THE LAW AND COLLECTIVE CON- SCIENCE” Noting that about a thousand injured Palestinians are currently under treatment in various hospitals across Türkiye, President Erdoğan stat- ed: “Netanyahu and his partners in murder will definitely be held to ac- count for every drop of blood they shed before the law and collective conscience. As Türkiye, we will continue to work and to force every door to make sure this happens. We presented our position on various aspects of the issue in our oral statement at the International Court of Justice on Feb- ruary 26.” President Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows: “Israel is on trial at the International Court of Justice for violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention. However, despite the preliminary ruling, the Israeli administration continues to kill our brothers and sisters, whether they be women and children, and to massacre civilians waiting in queue for food. The biggest reason for Israel’s spoiled and lawless attitude is the support western powers give Israel because of their sins in the Ho- locaust. Of course, the lack of unity in the Islamic world also plays a big part in this.” “ALL THE RELEVANT STATES MUST SHARE RESPONSIBILITY” Highlighting Türkiye’s strong support for the Palestinian people, Pres- ident Erdoğan drew attention to the extraordinary efforts Türkiye has been exerting since October 7. 646 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “Israel’s attacks on the occupied Palestinian territories have topped our agenda in every talk we have held and in every visit we have made abroad. As regards to humanitarian aid, we have thus far sent over 37 tons of supplies to the region by ships and planes. Also, we have trans- ferred over 900 patients and their attendants to Türkiye for treatment. Our efforts continue for the establishment of a field hospital in Gaza. We have increased our in-kind and cash aid to the United Nations Re- lief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). We have been working intensively to strengthen the Agency’s corporate capacity. Israel’s propaganda aimed at discrediting the Agency through lies and slander should not be given credit and its existence should not be harmed. It has become all the more obvious with the recent incidents that peace cannot prevail in the Middle East without a fair solution to the Israel-Palestine issue. Yet, the only path to lasting peace is the es- tablishment of an independent, sovereign and geographically-integrat- ed Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East al-Quds as its capital. It is futile for the international community to instead try to manage the consequences of the ongoing occupation; it is a meaningless and useless approach. In this respect, all the relevant states must share responsibility in a manner to help the parties to the problems,” President Erdoğan said. Underlining that the aim of the acts of occupation, which further esca- late day by day, is actually to undercut the vision of a two-state solution by creating faits accomplis on the ground, President Erdoğan warned: “The acts of the usurpers, known as ‘so-called settlers,’ who invade and steal lands that actually belong to Palestinians, are one of the most sig- nificant obstacles to the solution.” “WE HAVE ALREADY ANNOUNCED THAT WE STAND READY TO AS- SUME RESPONSIBILITY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE GUAR- ANTORSHIP MECHANISM” President Erdoğan further stressed: “As a result of these blatant thefts that totally disregard the law, it has become almost impossible to speak of a geographical integrity for Palestine. It is clear that a just peace with guarantees are needed instead of peace efforts that remain on paper. Ac- cordingly, we as Türkiye have already announced that we stand ready to TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 647 assume responsibility within the framework of the guarantorship mech- anism. We will increase our efforts to this end in the period ahead. We are sending our messages highlighting the need for the prevention of provo- cations within the context of the approaching holy month of Ramadan. Radical Israeli politicians’ demands for the restriction of Muslims’ entry into al-Haram al-Sharif is utter nonsense. The consequences of taking such a step would undoubtedly be very severe. We are also closely fol- lowing the efforts to achieve unity and consensus among our Palestinian brothers and sisters. At this stage, securing unity and solidarity among the Palestinians would be one of the best answers to Israel’s oppression. We always stand ready to do our part on this issue, as well.” Emphasizing their unwavering commitment to defending the Palestin- ian cause and supporting efforts to enhance the security and welfare of the Palestinian people, President Erdoğan expressed hope for the suc- cess of the day’s discussions. President Erdoğan extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Palestinian brothers and sisters, wishing for a prosperous Ramadan for the Islamic world and humanity. 648 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 12 Mart 2024 Ankara, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech at the 15th Annual Ambassadors’ Iftar held at the AK Party Conference Hall. “WE STAND READY TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY AS A GUARAN- TOR FOR THE PREVENTION OF THE RECURRENCE OF THE MASSA- CRES IN GAZA AND FOR THE REVIVAL OF THE REGION.” Speaking at the iftar with ambassadors, President Erdoğan said: “We stand ready to assume responsibility as a guarantor for the prevention of the recurrence of the massacres in Gaza and for the revival of the re- gion. Everyone is aware of the fact that lasting peace and stability is not possible in our region or the world unless a just resolution is found to the Palestinian issue.” President Erdoğan commenced his speech by expressing gratitude to ambassadors and members of the Central Decision and Executive Com- mittee (CCEC) of his party for attending the iftar dinner, and he wished for peace, tranquility, and prosperity for all humanity during Ramadan. Reflecting on the bitterness overshadowing the joy of Ramadan due to events in Türkiye’s immediate neighborhood, particularly in Gaza, Pres- ident Erdoğan expressed sadness that despite the auspicious occasion, pain and suffering persist in the region. “THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO PREVENT TAYYIP ERDOĞAN FROM CRYING OUT JUSTICE AND REALITIES” President Erdoğan stated: “Israel had already turned Gaza well before October 7 into an open-air prison with the blockade it had imposed for 17 years. However, in the past five months it has turned Gaza into a big ‘extermination camp’, examples of which we witnessed only in the Sec- ond World War. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 649 As a result of Israel’s brutal attacks, Gaza has become the biggest chil- dren and women graveyard in the world. It is not only us but any consci- entious person, who sees Gaza, visits the region and lives in Gaza, say this truth. However when we talk like this, Netanyahu and his murder network are annoyed, and immediately assume they can silence us by labeling us as anti-Semitic. They have tried every overt/covert avenue to that end so far, but they have never been able to prevent Tayyip Erdoğan from crying out justice and realities. And today, they cannot prevent us from calling ‘the murderer’ ‘murderer’ and ‘the oppressor’ ‘oppressor’. Instead of seeking to hide the reality of genocide by attacking us, Israeli administrators had better account for the babies who died in Gaza of thirst and hunger.” 650 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE April 9, 2024 Eid al-Fitr Message President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a message and congratulated citizens on Eid al-Fitr. President Erdoğan said: “Having left behind yet another Ramadan, the beginning of which is mercy, the middle forgiveness, and the end salva- tion from eternal torment, we have reached the eid all together. I hope the eid may lead to peace, serenity and welfare for our country, our na- tion, the Islamic world and the whole humanity. I thank my Lord since he has enabled us, together with our loved ones, to reach this Eid al-Fitr as well in good health and well-being. We have met and spent Ramadan al-Sharif, the sultan of the months, with a heavy heart because of the sufferings and oppressions experienced in various parts of our kindred geography as well as in Gaza.” “WE SHOWED THAT WE STAND BY THE PHILISTINE PEOPLE IN THESE DIFFICULT DAYS” “Gaza has been a wound bleeding since October 7 not only in our hearts but in the conscience of the whole humanity. We have witnessed an atro- cious scene where hospitals, schools, churches and mosques, which are untouchable even in wartime, have been bombarded. 33 thousand Palestinians have been martyrized and over 75 thousand brothers and sisters of ours wounded in Israel’s attacks. I wish Allah’s mercy upon all our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives, and a speedy recovery to the wounded. With the more than 45 thousand tons of relief materials we have sent to the region thus far, we as Türkiye have shown that we stand by the Palestinian people in these difficult days. Our support will inshallah continue in the future as well until the blood- shed in Gaza stops and our Palestinian brothers and sisters have a free Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East al-Quds as its capi- tal.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 651 7.4. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Diplomacy Traffic Our country believes that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is one of the most significant impediments to lasting peace, security, and stabil- ity in the Middle East, should be resolved on the basis of the 1967 bor- ders, with East al-Quds as its capital, by establishing an independent, sovereign, and geographically integrated Palestinian State. Türkiye has been one of the countries with the strongest international reaction to unilateral steps and activities that undermine the vision of a two-state solution and violate international law. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has made history in this regard as the head of state who, on internation- al platforms, has been the most outspoken advocate for the Palestinian cause and the most vocal opponent of Israel’s occupation policies. Pres- ident Erdoğan initiated diplomacy over the phone with world leaders in order to end Israel’s brutal attacks on Palestinians, which include the disproportionate use of force that defies all criteria and measures, and to establish peace in the region. In the first 45 days, Erdoğan conducted diplomacy traffic via 30 phone calls in which he discussed the steps that could be taken to end the Israeli attacks on Gaza, reach a peaceful reso- lution to the conflict, deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and restore calm. In this context, President Erdoğan talked with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine, Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon, President Isaac Herzog of Israel, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, United Nations (UN) Sec- retary General Antonio Guterres, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, King Abdullah II of Jordan, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the People’s Demo- cratic Republic of Algeria, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Ger- many, President Emmanuel Macron of France, President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom, Prime Min- ister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, President Mohammed Muizzu of the Republic of Maldives, NATO Secretary Gen- eral Jens Stoltenberg and Head of Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Hani- yeh. During his phone call with Pope Francis, the Spiritual Leader of 652 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Catholic Christians and Head of Vatican City State, President Erdoğan stated that Israel’s attacks against Gaza, which have no place in any of the holy texts, have escalated to a massacre and that it is disgraceful for humanity that the international community has been ignoring the de- velopments, and that all countries must raise their voices against this humanitarian tragedy. • October 9, 2023 οο Phone call with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia οο Phone call with President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine οο Phone call with Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon οο Phone call with President Isaac Herzog of Israel οο Phone call with the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar οο Phone call with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt • October 10, 2023 οο Phone call with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antó- nio Guterres οο Phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia • October 11, 2023 οο Phone call with King Abdullah II of Jordan οο Phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Sau- di Arabia οο Phone call with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the Peo- ple’s Democratic Republic of Algeria • October 12, 2023 οο Phone call with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan οο Phone call with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 653 • October 13, 2023 οο Phone call with President Emmanuel Macron of France • October 16, 2023 οο Phone call with President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran οο Phone call with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom οο Phone call with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece • October 17, 2023 οο Phone call with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil • October 20, 2023 οο Phone call with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt • October 21, 2023 οο Phone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine οο Phone call with President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda οο Phone call with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg οο Phone call with President Mohammed Muizzu of the Repub- lic of Maldives οο Phone call with Head of Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Hani- yeh • October 24, 2023 οο Phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia • October 26, 2023 οο Phone call with the Spiritual Leader of Catholic Christians and Head of Vatican City State, Pope Francis • October 29, 2023 οο Phone call with President Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev of Ka- zakhstan 654 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE • November 15, 2023 οο Phone call with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy • November 18, 2023 οο Phone call with Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sov- ereignty Council of Sudan • November 26, 2023 οο Phone call with President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran In 2023, President Erdoğan made 21 visits to 15 countries and participat- ed in 7 summits, bringing Gaza to the agenda in every meeting with lead- ers since October 7, 2023, when Israel’s attacks on Gaza began. Calling on the world for peace at international summits to end Israeli oppres- sion, President Erdoğan attended the 10th Summit of the Organisation of the Turkic States in Kazakhstan (November 2–3, 2023), the 16th Sum- mit of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation in Tashkent, the cap- ital of Uzbekistan, the Extraordinary Joint Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab League in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (November 11, 2023), the UN World Climate Action Summit (November 30, 2023) and the World Summit of Governments in February 2024, and continued Gaza diplomacy in those meetings. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 655 In addition to the international summits President Erdoğan has attend- ed since the beginning of the Israeli attacks, he has conducted peace diplomacy for Gaza during his official visits to Germany (November 17, 2023), the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria (November 21, 2023), Qatar (December 4-5, 2023), Greece (December 7, 2023), Hungary (De- cember 18, 2023) and Egypt (February 14, 2024). During the 3rd Antalya Diplomacy Forum, held between March 1 and 3, 2024, with the participation of heads of state and government, ministers, and heads of international organisations from more than 100 countries, Gaza was a top priority on President Erdoğan’s agenda in his meetings with 11 heads of state. President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine visited Türkiye on March 5, 2024, marking his first visit since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, and he was received by President Erdoğan. President Erdoğan has been holding phone and in-person conversations with leaders to restore peace in the area and reduce civilian casualties 656 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE ever since Israel launched its attacks on Gaza. President Erdoğan main- tained his Gaza diplomacy through phone calls with thirteen leaders during Eid al-Fitr. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Gaza Phone Diplomacy on Eid al-Fitr (April 9-10, 2024) • President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria • President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran • President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan • President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria • Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia • National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Peo- ple’s Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 657 • President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan • Sultan of Oman, Heysem bin Tariq • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan • President Abdul Latif Rashid of Iraq • President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Sau- di Arabia • President Joko Widodo of Indonesia 658 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with the Head of the Hamas Politi- cal Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, on April 20, 2024, at the Dolmabahçe Work- ing Office, and during the meeting, they addressed the Israeli aggression against Israel, particularly in Gaza. The attacks on the Palestinian terri- tories, the necessary actions to be taken for the adequate and uninter- rupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the issues related to a just and lasting peace process in the region were discussed. President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye will continue its diplomatic efforts to draw the attention of the international community to the persecution of the Palestinians and emphasise at every opportunity the need for an end to the atrocities and the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 659 President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Diplomacy Traffic 660 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 661 7.5. Peace Diplomacy by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Re- public of Türkiye Official Statement October 7, 2023 Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement regarding the tensions in Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the high importance to the restoration of calm in the region as soon as possible, and strongly condemning the loss of civilian lives. Visit to Egypt October 13-14, 2023 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, paid an official visit to Egypt at the invitation of the Egyptian government. As a result of the meetings, it was stated that “a consensus was reached that the current situation poses a threat to the security and stability of the region and that international efforts should be stepped up to ensure an immediate cessation of violence, access to humanitarian aid and calm for the people of Gaza.” 662 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Visit to Lebanon October 17, 2023 It was stated, as part of the official visit made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, that the state of Türkiye continues diplomatic contacts with all its strength in order to reduce the impact of the tragedy in Gaza on other countries and to prevent the war from developing in a way that will lead to the destabilisation of the coun- tries in the region, especially Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan. Meeting of the Executive Committee at the Ministerial Level of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Jeddah October 18, 2023 According to the statement made following the meeting at the minis- terial level, it was emphasised that new methods must be adopted and concrete steps need to be taken by Muslim countries to reach a fair and lasting solution for the Palestine issue; nothing can excuse depriving Gazans of electricity, fuel, food, and water, and nothing can justify shell- ing civilians, mosques and hospitals; and recent events showed once again that the Islamic world should think, speak, and act in unity. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 663 Heads of State and Government Summit on Palestine in Cairo, October 21, 2023 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, at- tended the Heads of State and Government Summit. The Summit em- phasized the importance of acting with common sense to prevent the tragedy experienced by the people of Gaza. 664 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Visit to the United Arab Emirates October 24, 2023 During the official visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, de- velopments in Israel-Palestine were discussed with the President of the United Arab Emirates. Visit to Qatar October 25, 2023 During the joint press conference held after the meeting in Doha be- tween Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Af- fairs of Qatar, it was stated that the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in Gaza would not be tolerated and that this situation, which would also destabilize Egypt, Jordan and Beirut, should be prevented. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 665 Visit of Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs - Ankara October 27, 2023 It was stated at the joint press conference of foreign ministers that Israel will not achieve peace by ignoring the existence of Palestinians, disre- garding their rights, and oppressing and persecuting them. Reception of Ambassadors of EU Member States - Ankara October 30, 2023 During the ambassadors of EU member states and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s meeting, it was agreed that attacks against civilians must cease immediately, a ceasefire must be declared, and uninterrupted hu- manitarian aid must be delivered to Gaza. 666 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Visit of Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs - Ankara November 1, 2023 The countries expressed, as a result of the bilateral meeting, their desire to prevent the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza from escalating into a war that would affect the neighbouring countries as well. It urged all extra-regional and regional actors to advance just and lasting peace. Visit of the US Secretary of State - Ankara November 6, 2023 The Gaza issue was the subject of discussion between the two foreign ministers; however, there was no subsequent joint press conference. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 667 Visit of Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs - Ankara November 7, 2023 It was declared at the joint ministerial press conference that in the face of persecution and violence against Palestinians, silence must cease. Visit of Special Envoy Zhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue - Ankara November 13, 2023 On November 13, 2023, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan received Special Envoy Zhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue in Ankara and discussed the latest developments in the Middle East. 668 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs - Brussels November 28, 2023 Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Brussels on the margins of the Meeting of NATO Min- isters of Foreign Affairs, and the latest developments in Gaza were dis- cussed during the meeting held ahead of the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan also exchanged views on Gaza with his European counterparts. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 669 US Visit December 8, 2023 Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan answered the questions of the press in Washington together with his counterparts from the Contact Group of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League. Providing information on diplomatic efforts to stop the war in Gaza, the ministers emphasised the need for influential Western countries to put pressure on Israel to achieve a full ceasefire and implement a two-state solution. 670 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Visit of the US Secretary of State - İstanbul January 6, 2024 The war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis were also discussed during the meeting of Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan with US Secre- tary of State Antony Blinken at Vahdettin Mansion in İstanbul. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 671 United Nations Security Council Meeting on Palestine January 23, 2024 Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan attended the meeting on Pales- tine at the United Nations Security Council and held a series of meetings with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Stéphane Séjourné, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France and President of the Security Council for the month of January, to discuss the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine. 672 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting - Brazil February 21-22, 2024 Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan addressed his counterparts at the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in the session themed “The G20’s role in dealing with the ongoing international tensions,” and the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Palestine formed the basis of the speech. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 673 3rd Antalya Diplomacy Forum Gaza Contact Group Meeting March 1-3, 2024 Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan hosted the Gaza Contact Group meeting at the 3rd Antalya Diplomatic Forum. During the talks, the on- going conflict in Gaza and humanitarian aid issues were discussed. 674 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 16th Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Council Of Foreign Minis- ters, Jeddah March 5, 2024 Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan attended the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Is- lamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah on March 5, 2024. The meeting dis- cussed what can be done to prevent the ongoing Israeli massacre of Pal- estinians in Gaza. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 675 Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs - Brussels April 3-4, 2024 On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan held bilateral contacts with his counterparts to discuss the situation in Gaza. During the bilateral talks, Minister Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s concerns about Gaza, the importance of a ceasefire and urgent human- itarian aid. 676 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Visit to Qatar April 17, 2024 In a joint press conference with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Temim bin Hamed Al Thani, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan emphasised Türkiye’s ultimate goal of establishing a lasting and just peace in Palestine and called for support for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its cap- ital. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 677 Visit of Foreign Minister of Egypt - İstanbul April 20, 2024 At the joint press conference held after his meeting with Foreign Min- ister Sameh Shoukry of Egypt at the Istanbul Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan emphasised the necessity of ending the Israeli occupation and implementing the two- state solution formula. 678 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 7.6. Türkiye’s Humanitarian Aid to Palestine Türkiye’s humanitarian aid to Palestine is significant in terms of the num- ber of organisations providing aid, the variety of items and the amount. Since October 7, numerous institutions and non-governmental organisa- tions (NGOs), including the Red Crescent, AFAD, TIKA, the Ministry of National Defence, and the Ministry of Health, have dispatched humani- tarian aid to the entire Palestinian territory, with particular emphasis on the Gaza Strip, where daily activities have ceased due to the devastating attacks. The first planes carrying humanitarian aid arrived in Egypt on October 13. Support has grown and persisted unabatedly ever since. The institutions embarked on a cash donation campaign to supplement the aid extended to the region’s inhabitants, which included provisions of clothing, baby and child supplies, hygiene kits, blankets, medical sup- plies, food rations, hot meals, water, and diesel. Türkiye’s aid operation for the latest human tragedy in Gaza is taking place under extremely difficult circumstances. An air lift was estab- lished to El-Arish Airport in the Sinai Peninsula with transport planes of the Turkish Air Force and a sea lift to the port of the same city. In this scope, aid supplies are being transported from Türkiye to Gaza via Egypt. The aid increases by an average of 3,000 tonnes with each ship voyage. However, Israel is blocking this aid at the Rafah border cross- ing. Nevertheless, Türkiye is ensuring that the maximum amount of aid reaches Gaza through its initiatives with the Egyptian authorities. Türkiye is still in Gaza, with its institutions, foundations, and non-gov- ernmental organisations. Türkiye is the largest aid donor to Gaza, pro- viding 29 per cent of total aid. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 679 Infographic: Anadolu Agency 680 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE • MINISTRY OF HEALTH On October 22, a presidential plane carrying medicines and medical sup- plies from Türkiye to Gaza, as well as 20 specialised health workers, took off from Esenboğa Airport for Egypt. The medical team, which included doctors, began conducting feasibility studies for the establishment of field hospitals at the El-Arish Airport and the Rafah Border Crossing. paragraf birleştirildi. Following negotiations with the Egyptian Minis- ter of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, two of our ships have been granted permission to enter Egyptian ports for the shipment of field hospitals and ambulances that Türkiye wishes to send to Egypt for the treatment of the wounded in Gaza. A total of 666 tonnes of aid had been transported to Egypt via one ship and ten cargo planes, including eight fully equipped field hospitals, 20 ambulances, essential ventilators, incubators, and generators, as well as medicine, medical supplies, and devices to be used for the needs of Gazans. In November, Ministry teams arrived in Gaza and completed the survey of suitable sites for field hospital services. On-site planning of Palestin- ian health services has started in the ensuing period. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 681 On November 14, Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca held a video confer- ence call with Egypt’s Minister of Health. Some cancer patients in Gaza were transported to Ankara as a result of Türkiye’s efforts. The plane carrying 27 patients and 13 companions landed at Esenboğa Airport on November 16, 2023. Cancer patients transported by the planes of the Presidency and Ministry of National Defence are being treated at An- kara City Hospital. Türkiye was the first country that Egypt allowed the transfer of patients through the Rafah border crossing. On November 23, 2023, an ambulance aircraft of the Ministry of Health took off from El-Arish Airport in Egypt and landed at Ankara Esenboğa Airport to bring three wounded Gazan children to Türkiye. On November 29, 2023, 23 patients and their 21 companions were brought to El-Arish Airport by ambulances, where they were first subjected to a health check before being transferred to C-130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force Command of the Ministry of National Defence. Patients on the plane landed at Etimesgut Airport and were transferred to hospitals for treatment. 682 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE On December 12, 2023, 68 Gazan patients and 61 companions were wel- comed at Etimesgut Airport after being transported to Türkiye for med- ical treatment via El-Arish International Airport in Egypt by a Ministry of National Defence aircraft. Of these, 37 were infants and children and 31 were adults. Of the patients brought to Türkiye from Gaza by two aircrafts on Decem- ber 18, 2023, 30 patients were transferred to Bilkent City Hospital, 43 to Etlik City Hospital, and 28 to the Yenimahalle Training and Research Hospital. On January 11, 2024, 85 patients and injured people from Gaza and their 106 companions were transferred to Türkiye. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 683 On February 14, 2024, a plane carrying 49 Gazan patients and their com- panions arrived in Türkiye via El-Arish, Egypt. Patients are treated at Bilkent City Hospital and Etlik City Hospital in Ankara. 1.2 tonnes of medical aid for the Gaza Strip, including prosthetics, or- thotics, and workshop materials, were delivered to Egypt on February 14, 2024. A total of 2,227 Palestinians were transported to Istanbul and Ankara; of these, 1348 were evacuated from Gaza and 879 were patients undergoing medical treatment in hospitals and companions. Accommodation has been provided for 1871 of them. 684 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE • THE RED CRESCENT Following the attacks, with the assistance of philanthropists and in col- laboration with the Turkish Red Crescent, the Ministry of National De- fence, and the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), military aircraft carrying humanitarian aid supplies arrived in Egypt to assist the Gazans. The Turkish Red Crescent team in Egypt delivered the aid supplies to Gazan civilians through the Rafah border crossing in cooperation with Turkish aid organisations, the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Palestinian Red Crescent. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 685 In addition to delivering generators and emergency medical supplies to the region via aeroplanes dispatched from Türkiye, the Turkish Red Crescent assists Gaza’s hospitals with medical supplies that are not read- ily available in the area. The Red Crescent organised and commenced the transportation of blood bags, apheresis platelet sets, and apheresis devices to the aircraft carrying medical supplies en route to Gaza, under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. The Red Crescent initially donated 8,000 blood bags and 160 apheresis platelet sets; a Ministry of Health plane transported the apheresis device to the affected area. With the assistance of local personnel and volunteers, the Turkish Red Crescent continues its aid efforts in Gaza, where resources are running low. The Turkish Red Crescent, in collaboration with the Palestinian Red Crescent, procured food supplies from within Gaza to assist the Gaza population in the aftermath of Israeli attacks. Additionally, the Turkish Red Crescent restored the operations of the soup kitchen, which had been rendered inoperable as a result of the intensified conflict. The Turkish Red Crescent’s soup kitchen in Gaza provides hot meals for 500 families every day. 686 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The Turkish Red Crescent initially provided hot meals for 12,000 indi- viduals and food parcels to 1500 families in Gaza, which is beset by Is- raeli attacks. In the besieged Gaza, where gas supplies ran out and com- munication with the outside world was severed by Israeli attacks, the food was prepared over a wood fire and distributed to civilians who took refuge in schools. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 687 The Turkish Red Crescent, which continues to provide humanitarian aid materials from the region and Türkiye to civilians affected by the conflict, has joined forces with 37 UNIW-affiliated civil society organisa- tions to aid the Palestinian people. Moreover, the joint aid campaign launched with the slogan “Stronger Together. Side by Side for Palestine” was declared. 688 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE On October 31, 2023, the Turkish Red Crescent resumed its efforts to de- liver aid to civilians in Gaza, while also negotiating with authorities for additional aid. Professor Fatma Meriç Yılmaz, President of the Turkish Red Crescent, wrote a letter to the UN Security Council Permanent Mem- bers, requesting an expansion for Gaza’s aid corridor. On December 25, 2023, the charity concert “I am there for Gaza” was held at the Atatürk Cultural Centre (AKM) in Istanbul with the participation of many artists from Türkiye and around the world. The concert pro- ceeds were donated to the Turkish Red Crescent to be delivered to those in need in Palestine. On February 16, 2024, the Red Crescent established a soup kitchen with local staff for the victims who had taken refuge in Rafah, where they were struggling to survive. Initially, the new soup kitchen has been de- livering hot meals for 1000 families every day to areas with scattered settlements. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 689 On March 11, 2024, the “İyilik Gemisi” (Kindness Ship), the largest of the aid ships sent by the Red Crescent, arrived at El-Arish Port in Egypt. The shipment on-board the vessel, comprised of food parcels containing ready-to-eat meals, water, food packages, flour, clothing, hygiene items, shelter materials like tents, sleeping bags, blankets, medical supplies, and baby necessities, totaling 2,737 tonnes. The Turkish Red Crescent worked in coordination with the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Pales- tinian Red Crescent to ensure the timely delivery of aid trucks to the re- gion. In addition to distributing food packages in Gaza, the Red Crescent continued to operate a soup kitchen in the Rafah region, providing hot meals to 5,000 individuals daily. The meals were distributed for iftar and sahur. 690 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE = Most recently, in April 2024, the 9th Kindness Ship, launched under the coordination of the Turkish Red Crescent and AFAD, set sail to deliver humanitarian aid supplies equivalent to 211 truckloads to the people of Gaza. The Kindness Ship carrying 3774 tonnes of aid supplies consisting of food products including gluten-free ones, sleeping bags, baby necessi- ties and various other needs was sent off from the Port of Mersin to the Port of El-Arish in Egypt with a ceremony. At a time when Türkiye was recognised as the country that delivered the most aid to Gaza, the ninth TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 691 Kindness Ship sought to assist people who had difficulty accessing ba- sic necessities. Carrying 3774 tonnes of aid supplies, the ninth Kindness Ship was also the one carrying the most aid supplies in a single voyage among all the Kindness Ships sent to Gaza to date. The Red Crescent’s aid shipments to Gaza reached a total of 6,230 tonnes. Food supplies amounted to 820 thousand tonnes, flour shipments to 1130 tonnes, hygiene supplies to 470 thousand, medical supplies to 205 thousand units, and clothing aids to 600 thousand units. Infographic: Anadolu Agency 692 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Infographic: Anadolu Agency Infographic: Anadolu Agency TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 693 • AFAD AFAD stated, “We cordially invite you to participate in the aid campaign that we have orchestrated in support of our Palestinian brothers who have been besieged for days in severe attacks, where we will personally deliver your donations. We wish to express our gratitude to our cherished nation for consistently and steadfastly standing by the oppressed.” The donation campaign was launched to gather support with the theme “Stand together with Palestine.” Source: AFAD As part of the humanitarian aid efforts carried out under the coordina- tion of AFAD, humanitarian aid supplies have been delivered to Pales- tine by 13 aircraft and 9 ships. The aid was transported by sea and air to Egypt, from where it was transferred to El-Arish and then to Gaza. Some of the aid to Gaza is provided through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Approximately 15 per cent of the flour need is supplied as donation. Approximately 26 tonnes of flour corresponds to dry food. AFAD delivers tonnes of drinking water to Gaza every week in partnership with the Egyptian Red Crescent. 694 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In  addition  to  the  humanitarian  aid  supplies  shipped  from  our  country  by  13  aircraft  and  9  ships,  drinking   water  supplied  locally  has  also  been  sent.   15,190  TONNES  OF   FOOD   8   FIELD  HOSPITALS   2,661  TONNES  OF  DRINKING  WATER   26.067  TONNES  OF   FLOUR  (in  cooperation  with   UNRWA)   53   AMBULANCES   49,418   BLANKETS   1,151   GENERATORS   167,518   HYGIENE  KITS   228  TONNES  OF   HYGIENE  ITEMS   2   UMKE  VEHICLES   1   FORKLIFTS   242  TONNES  OF   MEDICAL  SUPPLIES   3   MOBILE  KITCHENS   19,222   SLEEPING  BAGS   2,770   TENTS   424,692   PIECES  OF   56,233   SHELTER   SUPPLIES   1,083   TOY  SETS   • Under  the  coordination  of  the  Ministry  of  Health,  429  patients  and  450  companions  were  transferred  to  Türkiye on  9  planes.  Accommodation  has  been  provided  in  Ankara  for  738  patients  and  their  companions  transported from  Gaza  for  treatment. • Within  the  scope  of  the  evacuation  operation  coordinated  by  the  Ministry  of  Foreign  Affairs,  accommodation  and food   services   have   been   provided   in   Istanbul   for   1,174   of   the   1,351   people   brought   to   Türkiye   from   Gaza. Accommodation   services   are   currently   provided   to   1,155   people.   182   people   have   been   provided   with transportation  to  and  from  Istanbul  upon  their  own  request. • With  the  12th  shipment  of  bottled  water  from  Egypt  in  cooperation  with  the  Egyptian  Red  Crescent  to  Gaza,  the total  volume  of  water  transported  has  reached  1,477  tonnes. • The  total  amount  of  humanitarian  aid  supplies  sent  by  ship,  air  bridge,  local  procurement,  and  in  cooperation  with  UNRWA  is  46,692  tonnes. Infographic: AFAD TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 695 696 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE • TİKA After the attacks, work permits of approximately 18 thousand Gazan workers who used to work in Israel before Israel’s attack on Gaza that started on October 7, were cancelled. Some of these workers were ar- rested by the Israeli security forces. Approximately 6 thousand workers managed to reach West Bank with their own efforts. In cooperation with the Palestinian Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Labour, these workers were provided with 1000 supply kits containing mattresses, blankets, pillows, towels, and clothes. The supplies prepared by TİKA were delivered to the authorities of the Ministry of Labour to be distributed to the workers. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 697 698 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In January 2024, TİKA provided equipment support to the Palestinian General Directorate of Civil Defence, which is responsible for disaster management, to help develop institutional capacity. In order to improve the institutional capacity of the Palestinian General Directorate of Civ- il Defence, thereby improving response times and reducing the loss of life, TİKA provided motorised hydraulic cutters and battery-powered hydraulic cutters, as well as the compressed air breathing apparatus re- quired for firefighting, and delivered them to the Palestinian authorities. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 699 As part of the project conducted by TİKA in cooperation with the Ja- halin Bedouin Women’s Association in February 2024, 150 women from 10 Bedouin communities were trained on food safety, cheese produc- tion, product diversity, and quality. A workshop was established in the association’s centre and the necessary equipment and supplies for the production of dairy products were procured. In addition, the sales of the produced products were increased by establishing channels for orders and sales over the internet for the brand registered in the name of the association. 700 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE As part of International Women’s Day on March 8, TİKA, in cooperation with the Confederation of Turkish Real Trade Unions (HAK-İŞ), organ- ised the conference “March 8 International Women’s Labour Meetings: International Solidarity with Palestinian Women” at the ATO Congresi- um between March 4 and 8. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 701 The Gaza Ramadan Kitchen Project was launched. In Ramadan 2024, food packages prepared by TİKA were delivered to the Palestinian Min- istry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs to be distributed to one thousand Palestinian families living in refugee camps in various cities. The pack- ages contain basic food products such as oil, tomato paste, rice, flour, dried beans, lentils, and noodles. The Am’ari refugee camp, which has recently been targeted by invasion attacks, was also visited and food packages were distributed to families in need. 702 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE In Palestine, where unemployment and poverty have reached record lev- els and the number of people in need is increasing day by day, TİKA, in cooperation with Nasibah al-Maziniyyah Association and Aman As- sociation, provided food packages to 700 families in March 2024. TİKA also provided supplies to the Prophet Noah Lodge soup kitchen in Dura, which has been active in the south of Al-Khalil since 2017 and serves hot meals for iftar to a thousand people a day during Ramadan. With the support of TİKA, the number of families in need who received food packages in Ramadan was 500 and the amount of food distributed was 10 tonnes. The total amount of aid and food is 35 tonnes. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 703 Emine Erdoğan lends a helping hand to Gazan orphans First Lady Emine Erdoğan, who visited Cairo as part of the official vis- its of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, met with First Lady Entissar Amer, the spouse of the President of Egypt, in Cairo on February 15, 2024. During the meeting, it was highlighted that Türkiye is prepared to provide temporary shelter for orphaned children in Gaza until a lasting ceasefire is reached and the process of normalisation is achieved. She expressed that Türkiye is prepared to host orphans and orphaned children in Gaza until a lasting ceasefire is established in the country and the process of normalisation is achieved. During the meeting, the planned actions for orphaned children affected by the human tragedy in Gaza under Israeli attacks were discussed. Following the meeting, First Lady Emine Erdoğan, together with First Lady Entissar Amer visited the Egyptian Red Crescent and Hayat Kari- ma - Decent Life Foundation, which have been carrying out voluntary assitance activities at the Rafah Border Crossing between Egypt and Gaza since the beginning of the Israeli attacks on Gaza. 704 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Since October 7, First Lady Emine Erdoğan expressed her appreciation for the efforts of Egyptian institutions and civil society associations to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinians and said, “To date, in coordination with the Egyptian Red Crescent, over 7 thousand tons of aid materials have been delivered to Gaza by planes and ships from our country. In collaboration with Egyptian NGOs and the Egyptian Red Crescent, a number of our NGOs in Türkiye have been providing aid through the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) and the Turkish Red Crescent. As Türkiye, we will continue our strug- gle to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, an area challenged by every imaginable need. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who made contributions towards the aid provided to Gaza.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 705 First Lady Emine Erdoğan visits sick children brought from Gaza On December 14,2023, First Lady Emine Erdoğan, President Recep Tayy- ip Erdoğan’s wife, visited 16 children who were transferred to Türkiye from Gaza and are being treated at Ankara Etlik City Hospital. Taking care of the children one by one, First Lady Emine Erdoğan was informed in detail by the doctors about their medical conditions. Speaking to the relatives of the patients about the tragedy they wit- nessed in Gaza and the situation of other family members, First Lady Emine Erdoğan conveyed her wishes of “get well and a speedy recovery” to the relatives of the patients. 706 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 707 7.7. The Grand Palestine Rally and President Recep Tayyip Er- doğan’s Speech On 28 October 2023, Justice and Development (AK) Party İstanbul branch organized a “Grand Palestine Rally” at Atatürk Airport. After the arrival of President Erdoğan and the members of the protocol to the rally site, a moment of silence was observed for those who lost their lives in Palestine as a result of Israeli attacks, and then the Nation- al Anthem was recited. The imam preacher of the Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa Mosque, Alpcan Çelik, recited verses from the Holy Quran’s Ali ‘Im- ran and Al-Isra surahs, and the President of Religious Affairs, Prof. Ali Erbaş, offered a prayer for Gaza, which is under a blockade. In addition, the rally featured performances by internationally renowned artists Yu- suf Islam, Maher Zain, and Ömer Karaoğlu. 708 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE A special 60-meter-long, two-story press platform was set up for na- tional and international press members covering the rally. The rally garnered attention from both domestic and international media outlets, with accreditation applications being submitted by press organisations from Türkiye and around the world. The rally was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s spouse, First Lady Emine Erdoğan, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Numan Kurtulmuş, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, MHP Chair- man Devlet Bahçeli, BBP Chairman Mustafa Destici, HUDA PAR Chair- man Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu, Felicity Party Chairman Fatih Erbakan, DSP Chairman Önder Aksakal, Anavatan Party Chairman İbrahim Çelebi, TRNC President Ersin Tatar, Speaker of the United Arab Emirates Feder- al National Council Saqr Ghobash, Palestine’s Ambassador to Ankara Faed Mustafa. Furthermore, the rally witnessed the participation of statesmen, government representatives, political party leaders, artists, representatives of non-governmental organisations, media personali- ties, and figures from the arts, sports, culture, and business sectors. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 709 President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Speech at the Rally In his speech at the “Grand Palestine Rally”, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan greeted TRNC President Ersin Tatar, MHP President Devlet Bahçeli, the chairmen of the People’s Alliance, the guests from abroad who attended the rally and Istanbulites with his most heartfelt feelings. President Erdoğan noted the following: “I thank each and every single one of you for standing up for the Palestinian cause and for giving hope to the oppressed people of Gaza. I remember with grace all the martyrs, veterans, and heroes of our ancestors who left this land to us as a home- land.” I would like to commemorate with gratitude those who contribut- ed to the establishment and continuance of our states, from the Anato- lian Seljuks to the Ottomans and the Republic, through which we left our sovereign mark on the lands of our homeland. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has toiled and sweated so that our flag will forever fly in the skies of our geography and our adhans will be heard until the end of time. We are such a great nation and state that neither our power, nor our problems, nor our struggle is limited to our own borders. Tomorrow we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of our Republic, and today we will cry out the fire in our hearts for Gaza. We are standing up for Gaza, just as we did in the past in Thrace, in the Balkans, in the Cau- casus, in every inch of the Eastern Mediterranean coast, in Central Asia, South Asia, all over Africa...” 710 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE National Poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy said, “Once upon a time we were a nation, and what a nation we were. We have come; we have taught the world what nationality is!”, President Erdoğan said and added, “In short, wherever our horizons reach, we are standing up for Gaza, as we are today, as we do for our brothers and sisters whose hearts and eyes are turned towards us, whose pain we share, to whom we extend a helping hand, to whom we open our borders when necessary.” President Erdoğan stated that there are some unfortunate politicians in the country who have left Hamas to Netanyahu. President Erdoğan said, “They say, just as Netanyahu is a terrorist, Hamas is a terrorist. Shame on you. What is Hamas? Who is Hamas? There are unfortunate and malicious individuals in my country who are unaware of this; those who voted for them in the past should give this careful consideration.” President Erdoğan continued to note the following: “Our youth and the youth of the generation before us passed while following, telling about and condemning the suffering of our brothers and sisters around the world. We shed tears for numerous regions from Crimea to Karabakh, Bosnia to Kirkuk, Palestine to Turkistan, Afghanistan to Chechnya. We have not wasted our lives. Today, some people see Gaza as a place far, far away, a place that has nothing to do with us, and even say this openly.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 711 “Gaza was an inseparable part of our homeland” President Erdoğan said, “A century ago, for this nation, for this country, Gaza was no different than Adana. Just as Edirne was no different than Skopje, Kırklareli was no different than Thessaloniki, Mardin was no dif- ferent than Mosul, Gaziantep was no different than Aleppo, Gaza was an inseparable part of our homeland.  When you visit Çanakkale Martyrs’ Cemetery, take a good look at the names and cities on the tombstones... There, you will see sons of Gaza and Skopje lying side by side, just as you will see sons of Balıkesir and Şanlıurfa lying side by side. So much so that in the list of Çanakkale Martyrs, Gaza, with its 53 fallen sons, ranks above most of the cities within our borders today. But they unfortunately separated the Turkish nation from all these lands that are as much our own as our blood, our lives, and our love. Not only did they physically separate us, but they have also used every trick in the book to uproot them from our minds and hearts. We must never forget the lessons we learned from the dark days when millions of our people lost their lives and millions had to leave their homes and seek refuge in Anatolia. From this arena where we have come together to support our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Gaza, we must also leave with the determination to never allow new Gazas to arise.” 712 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “Since Türkiye does not owe you, Erdoğan speaks like this” “There is no doubt that Türkiye is a great state with its history, culture, geography, and civilization. At the same time, Türkiye is a country tar- geted by never-ending threats and big projects due to all these qualities it possesses. Know that no incident, no crisis, and no alliance formed in the south, north, east, and west of our country, and even beyond them, is indepen- dent of the plots against Türkiye. That I said Hamas is not a terrorist organization has annoyed Israel. We do not expect much more than that. We knew you were going to say this, and because we knew this, we made it very clear. Inshallah, what do we say? La galibe illallah. We have faith in this. This is what we believe. Al- lah alone is the victor. Therefore, we are not only condemning the mas- sacre in Gaza. We are also defending our own independence and future. Sultan Abdulhamid was not engaged in there in vain. If you scratch the concepts expressed by Israeli leaders at the highest level, you will find a treacherous map that includes the territories of our country. What was Gaza and Palestine like in 1947? What are they like now?  How did you come here, Israel? How did you enter? You are an occupier; you are an organisation. So, the Turkish nation knows this. The West owes to you, but Türkiye does not. Therefore, we speak in such a free manner. Since Türkiye does not owe you, Erdoğan speaks like this. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 713 “The Turkish nation has always stood with the oppressed in the face of oppression” Unfortunately, every country in the West owe Israel,” President Erdoğan underscored, and stated: “Since they are in debt, they cannot talk but visit you. They apologise to you in a way by visiting you. However, we do not have such intent. We stand with the oppressed. What does the poet say? “I can’t condone cruelty; I will never applaud the oppressor; Yet I can’t renounce the past for the sake of deluded newcomers.When someone curses my ancestors, I want to strangle them, Even if you don’t. But while I harbour my elders,I refuse to praise their injustices. Above all, I will never glorify evil, by calling injustice “justice”. From the day of my birth, I’ve loved freedom; The golden tulip never deceived me. If I am nonviolent, does that make me a docile sheep? The blade may slice, but my neck resists!” President Erdoğan continued as follows: “We are confronted with the politics of those who, when al-Quds was occupied, went to the tomb of Sultan Saladin, one of the conquerors of this holy city, and spat out their thousand-year-old grudges. We are confronted with the frustrated ambi- tions of those who, during the occupation of Istanbul, acted in revenge for the conquest of 1453. Remember, we do not forget those who wrote 1453 on the walls, do we?” 714 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE We are confronted with modern versions of those who tried to destroy our nation by provoking Armenians in Eastern and Southeastern Ana- tolia and Greeks in the Aegean, Marmara and Black Sea regions. We are confronted with the unfinished plans of those who have been slicing us politically, geographically, socially and economically for the last two centuries. We will not allow, those who ‘wield the sword of others’ by failing to understand this simple fact out of negligence or by attempting to cover it up with deliberate treachery, to distort the truth. Do we agree on that? We will not allow it; do we agree?” “I am calling on to the West: Do you want to provoke a new cres- cent-crusader conflict?” “Those, who wept crocodile tears for the civilians killed in the Ukraine-Russia war, are now quietly watching the killing of thousands of innocent children,” President Erdoğan went on to say, and added: “You had shed tears for those who died in Ukraine, so who were these infants who died in Gaza? Why do not you speak up? I am calling on to the West: Do you want to provoke a new crescent-crusader conflict? If you are in such an endeavor, you should know that this nation is not dead, this na- tion is still standing tall. In the same way, with the same determination, whatever we are in Libya and in Karabakh, we are the same in the Middle East, you should know that.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 715 President Erdoğan continued as follows: “This picture alone tells us a lot. In fact, we have experienced this hypocrisy, this double standard, this unconscionable and immoral discrimination many times before with the picture we encountered in the attacks of PKK, DAESH and FETO. Those, who came from tens of thousands of kilometers away and brutal- ly massacred millions of innocent people under the pretext of fighting terrorism, did not want to give us the right to protect our own borders, our own homeland, our own citizens. Let me be clear; whatever we have done, whatever success we have achieved, especially in the last 10 years, in the fight against terrorism, we have done it despite them. Inshallah, we will continue to advance on our own path with the motto ‘we might come one night all of a sudden.” “The massacre in Gaza is the work of the West as a whole” Stating that he loves the nation very much as President, Erdoğan said, “We are ready to sacrifice our lives for our nation. We are always ready to move forward on this path together with our nation. Because just as we have written epics in history, this nation is ready to write new epics, with the permission of Allah. You know who they are, right? I am talking about the West, which the late Mehmet Akif described as ‘the monster with only one tooth left’, including America, Europe and all the pawns whose strings are pulled by them.  It is the West that is most responsi- ble for the massacre in Gaza as well. Leaving aside some conscientious voices whose presence is intolerable even in their own homes, the mas- sacre in Gaza is the work of the West as a whole. Is it possible to ignore the child who was holding his mother’s hair and saying, “I can tell my mother by her hair”? Continuing his criticism against the West, President Erdoğan stated the following: “It is another farce that they try to hide their full support for child mur- derers under the guise of such concepts as democracy, human rights and justice. Everyone knows that Israel is just a pawn in the region to be sacrificed when the day comes. It is not possible to explain the outright cruelty exhibited today by those who used to cause quite a stir across the world until recently over the atrocities they suffered. The real masters of the game being played in the region are the ones who are backing its bra- 716 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE zen acts. Because Israel cannot take a step despite them. Even if it tries to do so, it will not last three days and will collapse.” “This insidious and dirty tactic of the West has now been exposed” The West likes to use tools and instruments without getting its hands dirty, sometimes by paying people off or pitting people against each oth- er through sedition, and sometimes, as in the case of Israel, by covering up its crimes,” President Erdoğan continued and added, “We know these well. Just as no game lasts forever, this insidious and dirty tactic of the West has now been exposed. And we know it best. We are well aware who is behind the lowlife terrorists in northern Iraq and Syria.” When the crowd responded to his, “Who is behind PKK, YPG and FETO?” question as “America”, President Erdoğan said:  “So is Israel. Be it money or weapons. They give it to them. We know that but my nation should know this as well. We are well aware of the machinations against our country in the lobbies of European and Ameri- can administrations. We are well aware that institutions and individuals who claim to be liberal, libertarian, free-market, human rights advocates are actually tripping our country up, and we know the intentions behind their actions. Now we are witnessing the same realities in Gaza.” “The Western world, from its politicians to its media, mobilized to le- gitimize the massacre of children, women and innocents in Gaza. Israel has been openly committing a war crime for 22 days.  We will announce Israel to the world as a war criminal. We are preparing for that. We are working on that and we will introduce Israel to the world as a war crim- inal. But Western leaders cannot even call on Israel for a ceasefire, let alone react to it.” President Erdoğan asked Israel and the West how many more children, women, elderly have to die in order for them to declare a ceasefire. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 717 “With this latest attitude, the West’s record of sins has once again over- stepped its bounds,” President Erdoğan pointed out, and noted: “Surely, every country has the right to defend itself. But where is justice? In Gaza, there is no defense, but an obvious and despicable massacre.  They seek the mass destruction of the people of Gaza through starvation, thirst, lack of fuel, collapse of health services, which they use as a weapon.” Drawing attention to the attack carried out the previous night, President Erdoğan stressed that there is nothing to eat in Gaza, the hospitals are in dark and the operations are being performed without anesthesia. I am calling on to the world: You all see these facts. UN Secretary General is crying out but you do not hear. You have become deaf, you have become blind. You have never given heed to all this.” Reminding his outburst in Davos, President Erdoğan stated:  “I had said, ‘You know well how to kill’. They know well how to kill. In the past, they were at each other’s throats, exterminating Jews in gas chambers, wiping cities off the map with their inhabitants by dropping atomic bombs. The same mentality is in Gaza today. We have previously seen it in Karabakh, Bosnia, Iraq, Syria, Arakan and many parts of Afri- ca. They are the direct or indirect perpetrators of atrocities. That is why Gaza is not only an issue for those struggling to survive there, but for all of us. “Do not be party to the war crimes and crimes against humanity being committed in Gaza” 718 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE I also would like to say a few words to those who are trying to take this issue out of its humanitarian and Islamic grounds,” President Erdoğan went on to say, and added: “To those who put their petty political games, their outdated historical calculations and their sick prejudices above the struggle in Gaza, we say ‘don’t’. Do not be party to the responsibility of the innocent children, women, and men who are being killed in Gaza or who are under the threat of being killed at any moment. Do not be party to the war crimes and crimes against humanity being committed in Gaza. Learn from what happened in Iraq, Syria and other parts of our geography in the recent past. President Erdoğan continued his speech by quoting the famous Pales- tinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, who wrote: “And in your name I have shouted at the enemy; worms, feed on my flesh if ever I slumber; for the eggs of ants cannot hatch eagles; and the shell of the adder’s egg holds but a snake!I have seen Byzantium’s horses; and before it all, I know that I am the flower of youth and the knight of knights!” President Erdoğan continued as follows: “Just as an eagle does not hatch from an ant’s egg, Compassion will not emanate the conscience of the West and good results will not come out of those who act with small calculations.  Therefore, at least from now on, we, all the peoples in our geography, must stand united and act together regardless of our origin, faith or sect. Otherwise, everyone, one by one, will inevitably suffer the same fate. We invite all the countries and peoples of the region to gather around the mercy of unity and stay away from the torment of separation.” “We are facing a brutality that hits the hospitals in which nearly 19 thousand 734 injured Gazan people have taken shelter” President Erdoğan said: “The number of children who died a martyr’s death has reached 3.6 thousand, and the total number of martyrs has reached 7.7 thousand since the launch of attacks by Israel October 7. Among those who were martyred were 500 healthcare workers, 25 jour- nalists and 38 United Nations personnel. We are facing a brutality that hits the hospitals in which nearly 19 thousand 734 injured Gazan people have taken shelter. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 719 The market places where people go shopping, schools, streets and all standing buildings are at the target of this barbarism. During the con- tinuous bombardments, 30 thousand buildings and over 200 thousand houses have been razed to the ground. Almost none of the Gazan people has a home to live in, or a shop to run their business in. The electricity, water and sewage infrastructures have already been de- stroyed completely. Since aid delivery from outside is not allowed, none of the humanitarian needs, from electricity to food, and healthcare to cleaning supplies, can be met. What has been done since last night is a state of utter madness. The dignified, determined and confident stance displayed by the Gazan people despite this grave picture will go down in history as a glorious epic of resistance.” “Faith and resolution are two such characteristics that - as our ancestors said - they make one catch lightning in a bottle.” President Erdoğan said, and continued: “A rusty heart devoid of faith is a burden on the chest. Patience and determination are two such characteristics that they pene- trate even marble as drops of water that hit the same point do. With the latest incidents in Gaza, the Palestinian resistance has overcome the set- backs it experienced in the past and turned into such a story of bravery and devotion. In fact, the Palestinian people have always had this spirit and enthusiasm. Yet, the Palestinian people were unable to receive the support they needed and deserved because of the irresolute attitudes of the regional countries in the past as well as of the disproportionate attacks of Israel and its backers.” 720 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Erdoğan also conveyed the determination of the Palestinian people to resist with the following lines: “I will defend every inch of my homeland with my teeth, I don’t want an- other homeland instead of it, I wouldn’t want it again if they hanged me from my veins, I’m still here, still a prisoner of my love, a prisoner of my home.I am still here in pursuit of my homeland, they cannot destroy me, no matter how many crosses they put on my shoulders, I am still here, holding you, holding, with my palms, with my teeth I will defend every inch of my homeland with my teeth.” Emphasising that Gazans are ready to defend their homeland with their teeth, President Erdoğan asked, “Are we also ready? Will we do what is necessary?” and received the answer “yes” from the citizens in the area. “This nation does it. They did it yesterday; they are doing it today, and with the permission of Allah, they will do it tomorrow.” President Er- doğan said, and continued: “We need to be prepared for this. None of the Palestinians, who thought or were told so in the past that if they left their homelands for some time, they would find peace once they came back, could never make it back to their homes. Now they say the same thing for Gazan people. What do these immoral people say? They say, ‘Go away’. When asked, ‘Where to?’, they say, ‘To the desert,’ or, ‘Cross into this or that country,’ or ‘Go through this or that gate’. Later they drop bombs over those who have given heed to these statements and taken to the road just because they are injured or desperate. Because all they know is to kill. I hereby salute on behalf of my nation with respect the Gazan people’s determination to not leave their homes and city despite the bombs dropped over their heads by the oppressor.” Reading from Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish’s poem “Missile from you, stone from us/ Sword from you, blood from us/ Fire isfrom you, life from us/ Take your hours from our time/ And get out, don’t pollute our dove hands/ Get your hands off our bread and salt/ From our wounds, our water and our soil/ Take your share from our blood, and get out.” President Erdoğan said that they will see the days when the oppressors will go away from the lives of the Palestinian people. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 721 President Erdoğan added: “In no period of the history of humanity has it been the case that the atrocities of oppressors lasted forever. The op- pression that Israel has been non-stop maintaining for 75 years will, too, definitely end one day. When their own houses begin burning, the westerns that they rely on will pack and leave, and Israel will be left alone together in this geog- raphy with the people they have been oppressing for 75 years and their brothers.” Call to the Israeli administration President Erdoğan noted that Türkiye, as was the case 500 years ago, as was the case in the Second World War, will be the hope of these people as well as every oppressed person having hard times and stated the fol- lowing: “I hereby reiterate the call I have recently made to the Israeli administra- tion: Do not undermine the Turkish nation’s feelings of mercy with talks, attitudes and rhetoric that are over your head, depth and heart. Because rest assured that just like your ancestors, you and your children alike will need it, will need Türkiye in the future. In order not to lose the hands that will reach out to you that day, listen to us today. Give heed to our request to deliver aid to the oppressed today, and to our call to open the doors of dialogue for the restoration of peace. Take, perhaps for the first time in your life, an auspicious step for your and your children’s future.” President Erdoğan further stressed, “We act with our sincere belief that a fair peace will have no losers. We call on our counterparts to rally around the same understanding”, and went on to say: “We are faced with a re- ality of Palestine where people have been forced to leave their homes, their homeland, and have been killed by Israel with the attacks it has been conducting since it was founded. The Palestinian people have ev- ery right to resist this oppression with all their means. Obviously, during this process, in such a climate that smells of fire and blood, some inci- dents that cannot be approved of have taken place. However, none of these could be an excuse for the campaigns that are being carried out to discredit the resistance the Palestinian people have been putting up under various names.” “The suffering of these children, women, and Gazans will eventu- ally take its toll on you” 722 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Drawing attention to the UNSC’s resolution for urgent, durable, and per- manent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, President Erdoğan stated: “I am calling on Israel: What happened at the United Nations? The resolution was adopted. What did 120 countries say to Israel? They said, ‘say, ‘Yes,’ to the ceasefire; 40 countries abstained; 13-14 countries supported Israel, which means that Israel is doomed to be alone in the world, will contin- ue to be so. It is obvious. Do as you see fit. The United Nations has taken a beautiful step with this resolution.” President Erdoğan continued as follows: “We do not approve of the attacks against civilians on the Israeli territo- ries either; We have stated this on every occasion. War has its own code of conduct and law. Targeting civilians do not fit into these code and law. Even the number of civilians who have lost their lives on the Israeli terri- tories has yet to be announced properly. And yet, regardless of how it has happened, we are saddened by each and every civilian that has lost their lives. However, does Israel have such a concern? Israel does not have the slightest concern over killing people. Because they say loud and clear that they know well how to kill. But you should know that you will pay a high price for that sooner or later. Don’t make a martyr sigh, you will pay for it by and by. The suffering of these children, women, and Gazans will eventually take its toll on you.” President Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction with his participation in the rally at Atatürk Airport, saying, “On behalf of myself and my nation, I truly salute this anger coming from your heart, and I bow to you in a real sense. And we could not stand by and watch as children, women, and innocent people were massacred in Gaza. And that is what you have done today and nearly 1.5 million Istanbulites have gathered here. May Allah bless you. May Allah help and guide us. Thank you.” After his speech, President Erdoğan asked the participants to recite Surah Fatiha for all martyrs. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 723 724 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 7.8. Communication Projects for the Palestinian Cause “The Evidence, The Witness and The Accused” Books and “The Evidence” Documentary In December 2023, Anadolu Agency held a panel at AAtölye titled “Geno- cide in Gaza: New Evidence”. The draft books “The Witness,” which in- cludes the experiences of those who served in Gaza and witnessed what happened, and “The Accused,” which tells the story of the perpetrators of the massacre in Israel, were presented during the panel in addition to the book “The Evidence,” which includes visuals of evidence that is considered a war crime under international law according to the Rome Convention and which constitutes evidence in the genocide case being discussed in The Hague. Delivering a keynote speech at the opening of the panel, Presidency’s Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun highlighted that disinforma- tion campaigns of Israel attempting to normalize genocide and barba- rism should not be ignored and said, “If we remain indifferent, the truth and facts will be replaced by lies and fictional news. If we remained in- different, we would have normalized Israel’s crimes and prevented its punishment”. “Israel’s persistent and systematic targeting of civilians and civilian in- frastructure is a clear violation of humanitarian law,” stated Presidency’s Head of Communications Altun. The intensive use of weapons such as phosphorus bombs, which are prohibited by various conventions, par- ticularly against the civilian population in Gaza is also clear evidence that Israel has committed war crimes. Aside from the fresh evidence we are talking about today, the book ‘The Evidence’ contains an abundance of photographs and evidence of Israel’s atrocities and genocide. This is why we have made great efforts to ensure that the evidence in the book ‘The Evidence’ is used in Israel’s trial at the International Court of Jus- tice. The evidence in the book “The Evidence” and newly-emerging evi- dence are being used by the International Court of Justice today, which is a development that brings us pride in the pursuit of truth.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 725 726 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The Evidence Documentary Speaking at the premiere screening of Anadolu Agency’s (AA) documen- tary “The Evidence”, which reveals the war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, Presidency’s Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun stated that The Evidence was first published as a book and now the documen- tary has been released. Altun explained that The Evidence is a historical project that records all types of atrocities, war crimes, and acts of genocide committed by Israel since October 7. He also stated that the President of the International Court of Justice, the UN Special Rapporteur, and employees of interna- tional organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch contributed to the documentary and shared comprehensive data on the process in Gaza. “The Evidence reveals the evidence of the genocide that is being tried to be covered up” Pointing out that the Palestinian people are trying to be destroyed and subjected to genocide in front of the eyes of the world, Altun made the following assessments: “States claiming to be members of the civilized world blatantly support Israel, allowing it to subject Palestinians to genocide. The documentary “The Evidence”, for which we have come together today, reveals the evi- TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 727 dence of this genocide, which has been persistently denied, ignored and covered up. I believe that with this documentary, the world will see how approxi- mately 34,000 people, including 14,000 children, were brutally killed before the eyes of the world. Humanity will realize how blind, deaf, and mute it has been in the face of such a massive genocide and understand who has stood on the side of truth and justice during this process.” “Israel deliberately attacked journalists because it sees them as a strategic target” Underlining that an enormous effort was made for gathering the evi- dence in the documentary, Altun said that the evidence was obtained through the truthful approach of many heroes, such as Ali Jadallah, AA’s photojournalist working in Gaza, who put their lives on the line. “Unfortunately, more than 140 journalists have been killed and mar- tyred by Israel so far,” Altun stated, pointing out that this is precisely why Israel targets journalists who try to reveal the truth. Israel delib- erately attacks journalists because it sees them as a strategic target. It purposefully and deliberately massacres and kills them.” Reminding that Israel targeted the TRT Arabi team and attacked them with a tank on Eid, cameraman Sami Mohammed Sehade lost his leg and two other journalists were injured, Altun stated, “We all owe a debt of gratitude to journalists who risk death for the sake of truth. They are the real heroes.” 728 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 729 Head of Communications, Altun’s post on AA’s documentary “The Evidence” “The Evidence is a documentary that records all the atrocities, war crimes and acts of genocide committed by Israel since October 7. The Evidence Documentary features interviews with *the President of the International Court of Justice, *the UN Special Rapporteur, and *employees and experts of international organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to provide in-depth coverage of the Gaza situation. We must also address this bitter truth here. Although this 52-minute documentary skillfully presents a great deal of evidence material, neither minutes, hours nor days are enough to de- scribe the crimes committed by Israel and the wounds inflicted on the conscience of humanity. We have witnessed two developments in the last few days that are in- tended to divert attention away from the ongoing genocide in Gaza. One of them was a malicious disinformation campaign that directly tar- geted our country and tried to link Türkiye with Israel. They tried to direct the criticism and reactions they did not show to Isra- el against Türkiye and our government. Many disinformative content was produced within our country during this process, and we issued hundreds of denials and shared them with the public. Despite the fact that we have done these things and the reality is as ap- parent as day, those who labeled HAMAS as a terrorist organization and condemned even the “one minute” speech of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attempted to tie Türkiye, which is considered as an enemy by Israel, with Israel. We must emphasize very clearly that Türkiye stands by the oppressed Palestinian people no matter what the conditions are. We stand in soli- darity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters, both in words and ac- tions. 730 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE As stated by our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, those who remained silent when Israel targeted the Iranian Embassy in Damascus in clear violation of international law and the Vienna Convention, immediately rushed to condemn Iran’s response. Israel, the oppressor, was suddenly portrayed as the victim. We see the attempts in this process as an attempt to whitewash Israel in the eyes of Western public opinion. However, there is one fact that these attempts cannot hide: Israel is cur- rently committing genocide in Gaza. No game, strategy or campaign can exonerate Israel. As Türkiye, we have conducted extensive diplomacy to prevent the Gaza genocide from becoming invisible. We emphasized that neither fanning the flames nor encouraging the Ne- tanyahu government would do any good. Today, regional and global actors must acknowledge one fact and strat- egize accordingly: Peace, stability, and prosperity can be achieved neither in our region nor around the world while Palestine is under attack. It is also one of our greatest responsibilities to disrupt strategies that normalize the slaugh- ter of Palestinian babies, children and women. Both the book “The Evidence” and the documentary “The Evidence” are an attempt to render these malevolent normalization strategies useless. With these works and evidence, we hope to accurately portray the Pal- estinian cause, the genocide in Gaza, and Israeli oppression in the inter- national arena. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the distinguished staff and executives of Anadolu Agency, as well as those who contributed to the preparation of the book and documentary “The Evidence”.” Bulletproof Dreams: Exhibition of Gazan Child Artists Organized by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, the opening ceremony of the “Bulletproof Dreams: Gaza Child Artists Ex- hibition” aiming to draw attention to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza through the eyes of children was held on December 29, 2023 at Taksim Square in Istanbul. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 731 The exhibition, inaugurated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s wife Emine Erdoğan and Presidency’s Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun, remained on display at Taksim Square in Istanbul throughout January. Aiming to raise awareness in the international community by conveying the feelings, traumas, pain and difficult conditions of children who wit- nessed the war in Gaza through art, the exhibition includes a painting project initiated by journalist Abdullah Aytekin based on the painting drawn by 6-year-old Gazan Mona, who witnessed the martyrdom of her mother by being targeted with a rocket and the subsequent massacre of 26 members of her family during the “Operation Cast Lead” in Gaza in 2008-2009. The exhibition also included a selection of 266 artworks collected and preserved by Aytekin, some of which were drawn by Gazan children who were killed in the subsequent attacks. A special section dedicated to the journalists and physicians who lost their lives in the recent Israeli at- tacks was also presented to the attention of visitors. The exhibition, which covers a total area of 1350 square meters, features physical installations of paintings by Gazan children, as well as digital display sections where the original paintings are displayed. One of the exhibition’s most impressive sections featured items belonging to chil- dren who were martyred in the aftermath of the recent Israeli attacks, as well as piles of rubble depicting war and destruction. 732 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 733 In her speech at the “Women for Peace in Palestine Meeting” during the days of “Operation Cast Lead”, Emine Erdoğan drew attention to the children and women being massacred in Gaza and could not hold back her tears due to the tragedy in Gaza. Maysa Yousuf’s picture of Emine Erdoğan, painted while watching her on television with the caption “Dear Madam, your tears have reached us,” was one of the exhibition’s symbolic works that drew attention. The portrait was presented to Emine Erdoğan by Altun at the exhibition. Emine Erdoğan, commenting on the exhibition, stated that since Octo- ber 7, there has been unprecedented violence in Palestine, and that Is- rael has been showering bullets and bombs on the Palestinian people in front of the entire world, with civilians, particularly women and chil- dren, bearing the brunt of the damage. Pointing out that nearly 9 thousand of those who have lost their lives in Gaza since October 7 are children, Emine Erdoğan said, “The words of a doctor working at Shifa Hospital indicating that ‘the hardest thing is to write unknown baby x on the body of a dead little baby’, describe very well the brutality that children in Gaza are exposed to. This exhibi- 734 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE tion, in fact, tells us the experiences and feelings of Gazan children in a nutshell. Their drawings and paintings truly convey the sorrow they are experiencing.” Expressing that the painting of Gazan Maysa Yousuf bearing the note “Dear Madam, your tears have reached us” touched her very much, Em- ine Erdoğan pointed out that the “Bulletproof Dreams: Exhibition of Gazan Children Artists” is a significant event in terms of bringing the voices of Palestinian children to the global stage. “We have to make the voices of Palestinian children more heard and their suffering more visible.” “We have to make the voices of Palestinian children, whose right to life, their most basic right, has been taken away from them and who will probably never see tomorrow, let alone the years to come, more heard and their suffering more visible” said Emine Erdoğan and added: “We call on the world to take action as soon as possible to end this and Türki- ye is making significant efforts to this end, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. On November 15th, we organized the ‘United for Peace in Pal- estine Summit’ and made a strong call for a ceasefire as leaders’ spouses to the world. We reiterate the same call with the exhibition, which serves as a continuation of this summit.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 735 “The oppression of Israel is no longer justifiable in any manner” Fahrettin Altun, Presidency’s Head of Communications, also comment- ed on the exhibition as follows: “It is even more devastating for the victimized and oppressed children of Gaza, who are left unprotected by the international community. This exhibition, consisting of paintings of Gazan children drawing on paper with their little fingers what they perceive and feel in their own world and their own hearts and souls, clearly reveals their experiences and feelings.” Stating that the paintings in the exhibition reveal the true motives of those who seek to legitimize Israel’s cruelty, Altun said, “The oppression of Israel is no longer justifiable in any manner. Because each line and brush stroke in these paintings distinguishes between good and evil, in- nocent and cruel, and just and unjust”. Head of Communications Altun stated that these lines show beyond any doubt that Israel is recklessly targeting children and the future of Palestine, committing serious war crimes and aiming for genocide, and added: “These lines clearly and unambiguously demonstrate that Israel has crossed all moral boundaries recognized by humanity for decades”. “Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership, Türkiye will not back down from speaking the truth aloud. We will never stop defending the just cause of our brothers and sisters in Gaza and the innocent chil- dren who were killed” said Altun who ended his assessment with the following words: “We are using, and will continue to use, every available tools to combat this oppression. Ending the human tragedy in Palestine and building a sustainable peace is our most essential priority as Türkiye, in keeping with our President’s motto ‘A fairer world is possible.” 736 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Music videos of songs composed by Maher Zain, a Swedish singer, song- writer, and music producer of Lebanese origin, and Emel Mathlouthi, a Tunisian singer and songwriter, were also shot at the exhibition to in- form the world about the drama in Gaza and to draw attention to Pales- tinians’ difficulties. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 737 International Symposium titled “Media’s Struggle for Truth in the Gaza War: Violence, Disinformation, Censorship” The Presidency’s Directorate of Communications held an international symposium titled “Media’s Struggle for Truth in the Gaza War: Violence, Disinformation, Censorship” on January 26-27, 2024. Presidency’s Head of Communications Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Altun and Palestinian Ambassa- dor to Ankara Faed Mustafa delivered keynote speeches at the opening session of the symposium, which was also attended by Al Araby TV Gaza Correspondent Ahmad al Batta, who lost many relatives and colleagues as a result of Israeli attacks, via video message. The symposium’s open- ing in Istanbul was attended by academics from Türkiye and through- out the world, members of the press, and university students studying in this field. The symposium focused on the role of international media in the strug- gle for truth, access to accurate information and the safety of journalists in the Gaza War. The symposium, at which media members from many countries spoke, also emphasized the importance of the global fight against disinformation. Speaking at the symposium’s opening, Fahrettin Altun, Presidency’s Head of Communications, stated that since October 7, they have been working to raise global awareness on Israel’s genocide in Gaza and ex- pose systematic disinformation campaigns, while also making the right- ful voice of Gaza’s oppressed people heard all over the world. “Israel is able to continue its expansionist, occupying and colonialist policies and war crimes thanks to the global empire of lies it has built with the contribution of the Western media ecosystem. This empire of lies, which aims to replace truth with falsehood, is powered up by three main elements: violence, disinformation and censorship”, said Head of Communications Altun. “Israel is killing journalists in a systematic plan to slaughter the truth” Emphasizing that Israel’s main strategy to cover up the truth in Gaza is “violence”, which is directed first and foremost against journalists, Altun said that Israel’s violence against journalists is not an accidental or ran- 738 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE dom tactic, but rather a fundamental strategy to maintain its empire of lies and to conceal its genocide. Head of Communications Altun stated that while Israel bans press members from entering Gaza on the one hand, it also targets and massa- cres those who bravely work as journalists in Gaza on the other hand. He went on to explain that the number of journalists martyred in Gaza was 119 according to the video shown at the beginning of the symposium, but an hour ago, they received news that Iyad er-Ruwwagh, an employee of the Voice of Al-Aqsa Radio, was also martyred. Head of Communica- tions Altun highlighted that Israel planned the attacks on journalists as part of its military plans and strategies for Gaza, calling it a new genera- tion of state-sponsored terrorism. “To date, we have exposed nearly 200 pieces of disinformation systematically produced by Israel” Head of Communications Altun stated that “disinformation” is Israel’s second strategy used for hiding what has been happening in Gaza since October 7. Altun, Head of Communications, made the following remarks in his speech: “We are working hard to decipher Israeli disinformation and fake news. Israel is attempting to hide and obscure the truth through these disin- formation campaigns. We want to put these lies on the agenda of the international community and bring them to light. We are working hard for that. Our Center for Combating Disinformation of the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications works on a 24/7 ba- sis to this end. The Israeli lies we exposed are now being reported in the international media. To date, we have exposed nearly 200 pieces of disinformation systemati- cally produced by Israel. We exposed the fake news along with the truth, and this was also was covered in the global media, which presented the truth behind the fake news. It is vital to note that this disinformation content was voiced by Israeli officials themselves. In this way, the world media has covered Israel’s lies and Israeli politicians’ dishonesty.” TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 739 Head of Communications Altun stated that Israel’s third strategy to le- gitimize the oppression in Gaza is “censorship” and added: “Israel’s policies of violence, disinformation, and censorship in order to conceal, legitimize, and institutionalize the oppression it has been per- petuating in Palestine for decades and has continued in Gaza since Oc- tober 7 pose a threat not only to the Palestinian people, but also to all humanity, world peace, and regional peace. To eliminate these threats, Israel’s war crimes and genocide must be punished above all else.” The sessions on the first day of the symposium addressed the topics of “Journalists’ Safety in Conflict Zones and Attempts to Suppress and In- timidate Journalists”, “The Role of International Media in the Israel-Pal- estine Conflict: Bias, Manipulation and Censorship,” and “The Illusionist Face of Digital Media: The Palestinian Cause”. During the sessions on the second day of the symposium, the topics of “Suppression and Intimida- tion of the Truth: A Global Struggle Against Disinformation “ and “Glob- al Public Opinion and Civil Society: The Power of Media in Influencing Mass Mobilisation” were addressed. 740 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE The Book “The Front Line Of Truth in the Palestinian Cause: Com- bating Discrimination, Hypocrisy and Double Standards” In February 2024, the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications pub- lished a book titled “The Front Line Of Truth in the Palestinian Cause: Combating Discrimination, Hypocrisy and Double Standards”. The book, published in Turkish, English, and Arabic, explores the role and impact of traditional and digital media in times of conflict, based on the global media’s double-sided and hypocritical coverage to the Gaza War. By focusing on the pursuit and dissemination of the truth in Pal- estine, the book seeks to expose discrimination, hypocrisy, and double standards in the international arena within the context of academia, business, and the arts. It also calls attention to Türkiye’s ongoing fight for global justice, whose crisis-solving role has been acknowledged by the entire world thanks to its vision of the Turkish Century. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 741 Antalya Diplomacy Forum The 3rd Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) was held on March 1-3, 2024 under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and upon the ini- tiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Forum brought together leaders of state and government, ministers, diplomats, businesspeople, academics, representatives of think tanks, youth and the media. The Forum, organized with the main theme of “Putting Diplomacy at the Forefront in Times of Crises” at a time when the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine wars are ongoing, has served as a platform to address global issues and crises, as well as various world problems such as climate change, migration, Islamophobia, trade wars, and artificial intelligence. The Forum, attended by 4,700 people from 148 nations, has become a significant gathering place for global diplomacy and one of the world’s most important forums. The ADF was attended by 19 heads of state and government, 64 ministers and 2 heads of au- tonomous administrations. In his inaugural remarks, President Erdoğan stated that the rule-based international order has lost its meaning and weight, and the 21st century has become an era of crises. He also came together with 11 heads of state during the event. 742 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Hosting sessions on regional issues ranging from the Middle East to the Balkans, from the Turkic World to Africa, where diplomats or ministers from the respective regions addressed the issues, ADF has demonstrat- ed the trust placed in Türkiye and Türkiye’s capacity to bring conflicting parties to a consensus. The “Gaza Contact Group” panel, hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, discussed the Palestinian issue and efforts to stop the massacre in Gaza, where views were exchanged on the issue. The “Wom- en, Peace, Security” panel, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s wife Emine Erdoğan, featured special and high-level participation. The forum included the exhibition “Century of Türkiye” by Refik Anadol, which presents Türkiye’s vision in the fields of art, energy, defense, and industry, as well as a part of the “Bulletproof Dreams: Gaza Child Artists’ Exhibition” organized by the Directorate of Communications in Istan- bul, which aims to draw attention to the human tragedy in Gaza through the eyes of children. During a Forum interview moderated by Prof. Dr. Nancy Snow from California State University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağatay Özdemir, Deputy Head of Communications of the Presidency, made statements on Türkiye’s soft power practices. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 743 744 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “A Night of Palestine in Ramadan” Event by TRT Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) organized the event “A Night of Palestine in Ramadan” on 22-23 March 2024 at TRT Istanbul Ulus Campus in order to ensure that the Palestinian issue is discussed in all facets and to draw attention to the human tragedy in Gaza. The program, which included premiere screenings of the documentaries and conversations with the director and field journalists, aimed to keep the spirit of Ramadan and Palestine alive around the iftar table with the participation of the guests. The first day of the event, attended by Fahrettin Altun, Presidency’s Head of Communications, Zahid Sobacı, General Director of TRT, and Faed Mustafa, Palestinian Ambassador to Türkiye, featured the screening of the documentary “Digital Occupation” by director Nawras Abu Saleh from the Directorate of International Exclusive News and Contents of TRT. While the documentary focuses on the digital aspect of Israel’s oc- cupation, it also presents, for the first time, the footage and interviews of the AL Kassam-founded secret intelligence service that was established in response to the occupation. The program also screened the documen- tary “The Sole Survivor” produced by TRT Arabi. Speaking at the event, Mehmet Zahid Sobacı, TRT’s General Director, said: “We are together at this iftar, which we have organized with the responsibility of being Türkiye’s public broadcaster, to shout out once again the unrestrained massacres committed by the bloody Israel in Gaza, not to let them be forgotten and not to allow the cruelty to be nor- malized.” We are here to remind you that Israel, the murderer with no moral, conscience, or legal constraints, is not exempt from paying the price. We will add the blessing of insight to the blessing of Iftar, and we will once again be the strong voice of the Palestinian cause. The Israeli government, which has become more violent every day since October 7, will one day realize that it cannot prosper by feeding on the blood of children. To date, Israel has massacred nearly 150 members of the press in Gaza. Israel believes that by purposely targeting journalists, it may prevent the genocide from being exposed. However, thanks to col- leagues like Nizar Sadawi, who told the story of people trapped in Ra- fah in our documentary “The Uncanny Sanctuary”, we will continue to TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 745 shout from every corner of Gaza to the world. The genocide they want to make invisible is evident no matter what they do. We will continue to convey the honorable march of Palestine and Israel’s brutality in all of its dimensions in our media channels both today and tomorrow against the distorted, dirty, dark and interest-driven policies and publications of Western governments and media outlets. Ensar Altay, an award-winning director from the Directorate of Interna- tional Exclusive News and Contents of TRT, presented his documentary “The Witness” on Gaza to the audience at the end of the evening. 746 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Fahrettin Altun, Presidency’s Head of Communications, partic- ipates in the 24-hour Protest Broadcast for Journalists Killed in Palestine organized by the Anadolu Publishers Federation (AYF) in Sultanahmet Square via telephone Fahrettin Altun, Presidency’s Head of Communications, participated via telephone in the 24-hour Protest Broadcast for journalists killed in Palestine organized by the Anadolu Publishers Federation (AYF) at Sul- tanahmet Square on 13-14 April 2024 with the support of the Directorate of Communications. Connecting to the broadcast, which was kicked off to commemorate the journalists who lost their lives in the Israeli attacks and to protest against the attacks, Altun stated that all journalists who make the truth known in the just cause of Palestine do a very noble and honorable job, and that they strive to support this just struggle in every environment, on every national and international platform. Altun emphasized the great sensitivity of the Turkish media, saying: “Türkiye has always stood by and behind innocent civilians and inno- cent Palestinians in the just cause of Palestine. Again, Türkiye has spo- ken out loudly against Israel’s atrocities, and our media has demonstrat- ed great sensitivity in this regard. We observed this much more clearly after October 7, and still continue to do so. There is an attempt to obscure the truth, to conceal what is happening, to conceal reality. This is a sys- tematic effort. It is the journalists in the field who stand up against this systematic effort and fight a just struggle.” Reminding that journalists from Türkiye had also come to Gaza, Head of Communications Altun added that many journalists who worked there continued to stay there and practice journalism despite all attempts to impede them, including attacks, threats, bombs, and targeted execu- tions. Head of Communications Altun said, “This is really an initiative that rais- es the quality of journalism and the profession of journalism and will be remembered with honor in the history of journalism and the media. In essence, Israel is doing two things today: With a view to covering up its atrocities in a sense and covering up the genocide that is taking on here, first, it massacres journalists, and there is really nothing more to say TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 747 here. It clearly targets and massacres journalists. On the other hand, Is- rael has also been systematically conducting disinformation campaigns to cover up its atrocities, as we have seen since October 7. The tragedy in this situation is that the Western international system and world order regrettably remain silent about these crimes committed by Israel. Israel is massacring journalists, and the Western world, particularly the West- ern world order’s elites, has responded in silence. What is more painful, however, is that Israel’s systematic disinformation campaigns are unfor- tunately strongly supported by the Western world system and media.” “Israel today uses fascist propaganda methods” Stating that attempts are being made to discredit Muslims and Pales- tinians and that they have observed that the negative language that has been developed against Muslims and Islam in the West has been activat- ed, Altun commented: “We see that the images that are being created here are trying to support Israel in a straightforward and obvious manner. However, these efforts will never succeed. Because journalists, as the voice of truth, are the main obstacle to that. Since October 7, we have revealed and deciphered hun- dreds of Israeli lies in Türkiye, thanks to the efforts of journalists and truth-seekers there, and we have documented Israel’s disinformation ac- tivities not just in Türkiye but also around the world. This allowed us to fight Israel’s fascist propaganda campaign. Israel, of course, continues its propaganda efforts intensively. It should also be noted that Israel’s propaganda method is indeed exactly the same as the fascist propagan- da methods employed in the past, which they ostensibly refer to and which they marginalize. Israel today uses fascist propaganda methods. However, we again observe that these efforts failed due to the struggle of truthful journalists. We will continue to work together to prevent these efforts from succeeding, to ensure that the voice of the Palestinians, the voice of our brothers and sisters from Gaza reaches the whole world. The struggle of Türkiye, led by our President, is precisely this struggle. We are starting from a very basic point of reference in this effort to pur- sue the just cause of Palestine. As Mr. President has emphasized in all in- ternational platforms, the whole world, the international system needs to decide on this. They need to take this step. A sovereign, independent and territorially integral Palestinian State must be established on the 748 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE basis of the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds as its capital. With the establish- ment of this Palestinian State, these asymmetrical attacks by Israel must come to an end. Peace in Palestine and the region can only be achieved in this manner, and this will be a significant step toward achieving global peace.” “In this struggle, we, as the side of truth, will prevail over falsehood” Reminding that they have been working hard for an unconditional ceasefire and a lasting peace from the very beginning, Head of Commu- nications Altun emphasized that President Erdoğan has also taken very serious steps in this regard. Reminding that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Organi- zation of Turkic States, the United Nations and many international platforms stress the importance of acting in solidarity as humanity to support the Palestinian cause and oppose Israel’s atrocities, Head of Communications Altun said, “It is a very, very vital element for Islamic countries to act in unity, especially within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In this regard, on February 24, we convened an extraor- dinary meeting of the Islamic Cooperation’s Ministers of Information within this framework established by our President, and made decisions on critical matters. We have stated very clearly that, regardless of what happens, there is a need for effective international cooperation to com- bat disinformation, and we must take steps to develop this effective co- ordination, and the Islamic world must act in collaboration on this point. On the other hand, we clearly emphasized that Israel is in a colonial oc- cupation and is attempting to intimidate journalists in order to reduce international reaction to this occupation, and that in this context, it is causing significant destruction in the field, and that an international co- operation is needed to combat this. Indeed, the Israeli occupation forces have acted and are acting in defiance of international law, in defiance of international humanitarian law, in defiance of other international in- struments that guarantee and protect the rights of journalists. We have to fight against it. Whatever happens, this struggle is a just struggle, and in this struggle, we, as the side of truth, will prevail over falsehood”. Head of Communications Altun stated that the international communi- ty must be aware of what is going on in the Palestinian territories, par- TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 749 ticularly in the Gaza Strip, and continued: “The struggle of these jour- nalists is a very fundamental struggle. It is a struggle for humanity. So we cannot accept our colleagues from the Western world burying their heads in the sand. We absolutely have to speak out against this oppres- sion together. This is because, as I said, by targeting journalists, Israel is not only violating international law, but is also committing genocide. It is committing a genocide against Muslims, against Palestinians. We have to fight against it. As you know, today we are facing very serious chal- lenges in the global arena, very serious tests as humanity. We now have to deal with hybrid threats beyond traditional wars. We must emphasize that Israel has a malignant role to play in spreading disinformation and other hybrid threats around the world. Today, the entire humanity is the target of hybrid threats and systematic disinformation emanating from Israel. Truth is also being targeted. Here we have to be aware that Israel is really trying to convince the whole world through its fascist propagan- da methods that there are no Palestinians. No! There are Palestinians, Palestinians are the rightful owners of that land, and there is also an oc- cupying Israeli force and there are also terrorist settlers. When we look at the issue from this perspective, no power trying to exist in the region or trying to make any claims otherwise, other than the Palestinians, is the real power of the region. This is why we need to fight this struggle.” Thanking the journalists who continued to broadcast, Head of Commu- nications Altun said that the sensitivity of both national and local media was admirable. Stating that they will continue to struggle with this approach and feel- ings, Head of Communications Altun added, “Our President has indeed celebrated Eid with many leaders, came together with them, and in his meetings with each of them, he emphasized that we must stand behind the just cause of Palestine against Israel’s atrocities and that we must act in unity at this point. As a matter of fact, Mr. President will resume his heavy foreign policy workload in the coming days and will keep up his efforts to support the Palestinian cause and put an end to the oppression in Gaza.” 750 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “Israel’s positioning of Türkiye is, in this sense, a complete anta- gonization” Responding to AYF President Sinan Burhan’s question “Why Türkiye is subjected to so much black propaganda,” Head of Communications Altun stated that this question highlighted a very important point and asked Burhan, “As of today, who does Israel primarily see as its enemy on any international platform? Which country does it see as its enemy?” and received the answer “Türkiye, sir.” Upon this response, Altun continued his remarks as follows: “Israel’s positioning of Türkiye is, in this sense, resulted in a complete antagonization. Why? This is because Türkiye is truly behind the Pales- tinian cause. It has worked really hard to effectively put an end to Israel’s atrocities. Those who are really on the field understand exactly what is going on. Israel’s propaganda machine has operated not just on a global scale, but also within the country unfortunately, affecting even individ- uals who appear to be on the side of the right. Although we have always taken steps to convey what is going on in an efficient, timely, and trans- parent manner, Israel’s propaganda strategy has continued here. Why? For so-called ideological obsessions and with the aim of acquiring so- called political advantages. However, you will be doomed to failure in politics if you pursue it with lies rather than the truth or justice. This is because the truth comes and reveals itself. In this sense, Türkiye’s for- eign policy under the leadership of our President is an honorable policy and it is the policy that has served the Palestinian cause the most in the whole world. This is how we have dealt with and are dealing with this issue with respect to many aspects, including the humanitarian aid we are providing today and the issues we are discussing, and we will contin- ue to stand by our oppressed Palestinian brothers and sisters in the just cause of Palestine, despite all international pressures, no matter what! This is our position despite all Israeli threats, despite all Israel’s support- ers in the international arena. There is no actor who can question where our President stands in this sense. Since our nation is well aware of what is happening in this regard, these discussions are, therefore, not to be re- garded seriously or given any consideration. Our main goal is to end the oppression there as soon as possible. We are here with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. We are fighting to eliminate the atrocities that our Palestinian brothers and sisters face today in their daily lives, and our TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 751 struggle is multi-faceted. We also share these topics intensively with the public when needed.” Journalist Başak Şengül emphasized Türkiye’s crucial role in raising the voice of Palestine and communicating the situation in Gaza to the world, when we look at the President Erdoğan’s remarks targeting the West at the press conference in Germany, in the heart of the West. “The Center for Combating Disinformation has already exposed Israel’s lies in front of the entire world, as a result of your work,” Şengül said, adding that state officials and authorities also knew or anticipated that such a black propaganda process was something to be expected as a result of Türkiye’s attitude, approach, and raising its voice against the massacre in Gaza. “Therefore, Israel had already targeted Türkiye in this sense.” Şengül added, asking Altun, Head of Communications, what he would add in this respect. Head of Communications Altun commented: “The truth can really not be hidden. We have proven this with our efforts and still continue to do so. Whatever happens, our struggle here aims to yield results. When we act, we do not try to please people who are critical of us. First of all, we really look at what this cause requires there, what steps we can take to end the oppression there and what effective steps will yield results, and we have made serious progress in this regard so far. A Palestine where Türkiye is not in the equation, and speaking more broadly, a Middle East geography where Türkiye is not in the equation, is a world where there will be much more severe destruction and many more severe global dev- astations. Türkiye is the guarantor of regional peace and stability, and at this point, is a true fortress. Some from within and some from outside are attempting to destroy this fortress. However, Mr. President is very keen to keep this fortress standing, to make it even more solid, and he continues to fight for it. I say once again that in this struggle, truth will prevail over falsehood.” 752 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 753 7.9 United for Peace in Palestine Summit On November 15, 2023, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s wife Emine Er- doğan hosted the “United for Peace in Palestine” summit in the Dolma- bahçe Office of the Presidency of the Republic. The summit brought together spouses of heads of state and government, as well as special representatives from many countries. At the post-summit press conference, Emine Erdoğan read out the text of the summit’s joint call. Emine Erdoğan stated that they did not meet to discuss the Ministry of Education in Gaza, which announced the official end of the school year due to the martyrdom of all its students. She added, “It is too late today for the children who gave solace to their brothers and sisters with the words ‘Don’t be afraid, we will die soon’ and know no safer place than the coffin. We are too late for those kids who, when asked “What will you be when you grow up?” said, “Palestinian children cannot grow up. We have not gathered today to commemorate the children whose games were about dodging bombs, carrying the wounded on stretchers, digging through rubble and becoming martyrs. We are here today because we are demanding a ceasefire with no ifs and buts.” Emine Erdoğan stated that in the last 40 days, they have witnessed how the international system, which for decades has blatantly coddled a state that has created a space of international legitimacy for itself on the basis of a terrible victimization in history, has turned into a monster. 754 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE “I would have believed everything, but I would never have believed that one day we would use the concept of ‘unknown soldier’, which is used for unidentified soldiers in wars, for children”, said Emine Erdoğan and continued: “The doctor at Al-Shifa Hospital said that the hardest thing is to write ‘an unknown baby on the body of a dead little baby’, which sums up the horror of Gazan children. Gaza today is a city of unknown chil- dren. As a mother, as a woman, as a human being, I refuse to pass on such a dirty legacy to the next generation without the respon- sible parties being hold accountable. I demand that all relevant members of the State of Israel be prosecuted before the Interna- tional Criminal Court for all the war crimes they have committed. I believe those who claim that today’s post-modern holocaust in Pales- tine is a manifestation of the right to self-defense should be held equally accountable. No one should take for a fool the conscientious people of the world with this ridiculous rhetoric anymore.” “You will be remembered in the same manner as the cruelty that sought to exterminate the Jews in the recent past” Pointing out that the whole world now clearly sees the racist practices, systematic theft and occupation plans that have been inflicted on the Palestinian people for almost a century, Emine Erdoğan stated that all peoples, if not all states in the east and west, are now advocates of the just cause of Palestine. “Like their own people, we too are deeply ashamed of the impotence and hypocritical politics that the so-called ‘civilized world’, which claims to be the bearer of humanist values, has descended into for 40 days. No one can throw the first stone, because most of them are historically par- ty to this crime. I appeal to those who defend today’s ethnic cleansing as the will of the Creator. Allah does not allow the killing of any child. How dare you slander the Creator in such a horrible way? As a Muslim, I strongly reject this. Because Allah, in whom we believe, is merciful and gracious. How can you face our common ancestor Hazrat Abraham (pbuh), who said that even in cities that deserve divine punishment, there are at least 10 innocents, who wished that the punishment would not come for those innocent souls, who was ready to sacrifice himself for those souls, who accepted all humanity as his spiritual children? I really wonder how you will explain to Hazrat Abraham that you slaughtered more than 4,000 children for the sake of your own perverted ideology”, said Emine Erdoğan. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 755 “No ideology or no political interest is more valuable than the life of an innocent human being” Stating that they were there that day because they followed the path of peace and salvation to which Hazrat Abraham and other prophets and all the leaders of goodness dedicated themselves, Emine Erdoğan under- lined that they pursued a just and sustainable peace for all, not a revenge that created a spiral of violence, as Aliya İzzetbegovic pointed out, and continued: “No ideology, no political interest or no economic gain is more valuable than the life of an innocent human being. I refuse to let humanity suc- cumb to the narcissism of the Zionist wheel, which sees children as fuel to be used to run its unrealistic and unjust plans. With your actions, you are hurting everything that is good, beautiful and right in the world. Do you hear the blood of your brothers and sisters that you killed calling out from the earth? No divine covenant, no legitimate political ideolo- gy allows oppression. Numerous examples from history demonstrate what fate awaits those who commit massacres, occupations and theft on earth, and those who prevent people from practicing their beliefs. The conscience of history has never been on the side of the oppressor. Let those who commit this atrocity today know that they will be remembered with Cain, who murdered his brother out of jeal- ousy and greed, Nimrod, who slaughtered infants, and Pharaoh, who killed hundreds of newborns. You will be remembered in the same manner as the cruelty that sought to exterminate the Jews in the recent past.” 756 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Emine Erdoğan stated that almost the same expressions as those used by Anne Frank, a 13-year-old Jewish girl in the Second World War, when she wrote about the persecution she experienced in her diaries, can be seen today in the videos of Bisan Owda, whose house was destroyed in Gaza and who had to flee to the south, and commented: “I wonder what difference those, who remain silent when an Israeli minister considers dropping an atomic bomb on Gaza as one of the options, see between Hiroshima’s daughter Sadako and the children of Palestine. What is the global conscience, which yesterday bore the weight of failing to save the Bosnian child who said, “They kill children with small bullets, don’t they, mom?” waiting for to stop the missiles raining down on Gaza’s children today? It is impossible for any promised future to emerge in a place that has been turned into a hell above ground and a necropolis for children below ground. Who can really feel safe in an order built on such destruc- tion?” “Does the definition of human beings include only those within the borders defined by the West?” Emine Erdoğan addressed Israel and the five permanent members of the United Nations as follows: “I would like to ask the State of Israel and the five permanent members of the United Nations, who are responsible for establishing peace and order in the world; what critical threshold of death are you waiting for to stop this atrocity? I would like to ask the in- ternational community, whose silence is deafening: After 40 days of this disgraceful period, how can you defend peace and justice in the world, the universal values of humanity? What are we to make of the silence of the world leaders, who lined up to protect the rights of the victims of Charlie Hebdo, who posed with great enthusiasm in that photo, in the face of the innocents of Gaza? Does the definition of human beings, whose rights are protected in the Declaration of Human Rights and in many international conventions, include only those within the borders defined by the West?”. “We will never give in to this darkness that discriminates one life from another and devalues everyone and everything that is not their own. We will defend a global understanding that embraces human beings with compassion and sees them as intrinsically valuable, regardless of lan- guage, religion, race or color. We will forever stand against the discrim- inatory mentality that evaluates the innocent, the refugee, the woman TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 757 and the child, in short, the human being according to where they come from,” said Emine Erdoğan. “Let us call on the whole world to unite our efforts to achieve last- ing peace in Palestine and Israel” Pointing out that what they are witnessing today is not a war, but an ef- fort to impose a world order in which only the most powerful and cruel- est survive and other lives can be easily wasted, as well as the eternal and everlasting fight of the good, the beautiful and the truth against false- hood, Emine Erdoğan said: “That is why I call on all the spouses of heads of state to be the voice of those who are being killed in Gaza, those whose voices are being suppressed and silenced as a massacre continues. The Gazan and international media, medics and humanitarian aid workers are standing on guard for humanity at the cost of their lives while the international community, which is obliged to protect them, are failing. Let us stand on guard for them wherever we are, with all the means at our disposal, until a ceasefire is declared. On social media, which has be- come the new public sphere, let us all keep watch together and continue our call for an immediate ceasefire, peace and humanitarian aid. Each of us individually has a strong voice, and together we have a much stronger voice. Let us join our words for a ceasefire right now, for them and for the world. Let’s take this meeting from words to action and turn it into an initiative for peace in Palestine. 758 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE This is because while a ceasefire is our primary goal, it is not the ulti- mate goal. Let us call on the whole world, with one voice, to unite our efforts to achieve lasting peace in Palestine and Israel. We owe Pales- tinian children and youth a dignified future, other than death or being killed. That is why now is the time to build the long overdue peace promised by the two-state solution of a fully independent State of Palestine, whose territorial integrity is preserved, with Al-Quds as its capital. For the peace and tranquility of the region and even the world, the unjust occupation of Palestine must come to an end and Israel must return the usurped lands to its rightful owners, the Palestinians. Gaza must be rebuilt from its ruins so that it can offer its children a bright fu- ture. A fund should already be established within international organi- zations such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Co- operation to rebuild schools, parks and hospitals destroyed by Israel”. Emine Erdoğan expressed gratitude to all attendees and video message senders for their unwavering support of the call to unite as one voice and one heart for Palestine. She stated that she hoped that every word spoken in that hall in the name of peace and brotherhood would blend together and find a meaningful resonance in the world, especially in the eyes of decision-makers. “Please keep in mind; today we may see Palestine in ruins, blood, tears and smoke, but beyond this dark picture, we have a dream for Palestine,” said Erdoğan and continued: “A dream where Palestin- ian children, regardless of their religion and ethnicity, run hand in hand on the beaches of Gaza. A Palestine where lemon trees blossom, where the sun shines on olive branches, where fathers meet their children without fear, where mothers kiss their children and put them to bed, not to the grave. This Palestinian dream is in our hands, in our promises, in our actions today. In the darkness that surrounds us, I am so glad that we have you, who intend to be a light for humanity with your conscience”. The summit’s participants included Sheikha Moza binti Nasser, mother of Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamed Al Thani, Marieme Faye Sall, spouse of Senegalese President Macky Sall, Queen Tunku Azizah Ami- nah Maimunah Iskandariah of Malaysia, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, spouse of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, Antoinette Sassou N’Gues- TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 759 so, spouse of Denis Sassou N’Guesso, President of the Republic of Congo, Rebeka Sultana, spouse of Bangladesh President Muhammad Shahabud- din Chuppu, Sabina Komsic, spouse of Zeljko Komsic, Croatian member of the Presidential Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s spouse May Mikati, Begum Sadia Rahmatullah, spouse of Pakistani Prime Minister Anwar-ul Haq Kakar, Nadia El-Nak- la, spouse of Humza Yousef, First Minister of Scotland, Amina Ali Mu- hammed El-Shavush El-Dilawi, spouse of Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, Palestine’s Special Representative Ferial Kamel Abdal- rahman Salem, Sheikha Alyazia bint Saif Al Nahyan, spouse of Abdul- lah bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Hala Elsaid, Egypt’s Planning and Economic Development Minister, and Turkmen diplomat Chinar Rustamova. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s spouse Mihriban Aliyeva, Rosange- la da Silva, spouse of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Cilia Flores, spouse of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, sent video messages to the summit. At the summit themed “United for Palestine”, the first ladies and gentle- men and special representatives of the heads of state and government of the participating countries thanked Emine Erdoğan and expressed the following views. Sheikha Moza binti Nasser, mother of the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamed Al Thani, stated that Israel continues its attacks on Gaza as usual, disregarding all international law, and added: “Right now, every- one sees these crimes all over the world, while the Palestinian people are being forcibly displaced. International humanitarian law is being vio- lated. These people are being brutally slaughtered. And their houses are collapsing on them. This is, undoubtedly, a clear violation.” Nadia El-Nakla, wife of Hamza Yousef, Regional First Minister of Scot- land, said: “We are gathered here today for one reason only: to ensure that humanity prevails and that no more innocent men, women or chil- dren die.” “My family and 2.2 million people living in Gaza have been living under a blockade for 17 years; food, water, electricity, and fuel are all controlled and restricted by foreign powers,” said al-Nakla, whose parents are Palestinians, emphasising the need for a ceasefire. 760 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE Begum Sadiya Rahmat Ullah, spouse of Pakistan’s Prime Minister An- waar-ul-Haq Kakar, said that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been go- ing on for decades and emphasised that everyone in such situations has the right to self-determination. Rahmatullah pointed out that they will not support exploitation in any way and said, “A permanent solution to the Palestinian problem requires the establishment of a Palestinian state. East Jerusalem becoming its capital is of utmost importance.” Diplomat Chinar Rustamova from Turkmenistan stated that they gath- ered to express their support for the Palestinian people, innocent chil- dren and their mothers, and to make their voices heard to the world as they are united for Palestine. She read the letter that First Lady Ogulger- ek Berdimuhamedova, the spouse of Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of the People’s Assembly of Armenia, had sent to First Lady Emine Erdoğan and stated that it was a call to the Forum participants. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 761 Amina Ali Mohammed Al-Shawush Al-Dilaw, spouse of Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dibeybe, emphasized her country’s full support for the Palestinian cause, noting that civilians are being killed indiscrim- inately with military weapons and that a crime against humanity and a catastrophe are taking place in Gaza. In a video message sent to the meeting, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, the spouse of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, said that Türkiye stands on the side of peace and justice and will ensure stability and security in the region and the world. Emphasising that Türkiye has made a sig- nificant contribution to ensuring security, she stated that the scale of tension in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone is increasing day by day. Aliyeva stated that her country supports the call for an immediate ces- sation of military operations and expressed support for a two-state solu- tion to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a video message sent for the meeting, First Lady Cilia Flores, the spouse of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, thanked President Er- doğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan. She emphasized the need to lead resistance movements against all acts of violence, especially the ongoing genocide against Gaza and the entire Palestinian people. “We are wit- nessing a genocide,” Flores said, adding that these “inhumane” acts rep- resent a horrific extermination of the Palestinian people. In a video message for the meeting, First Lady Rosangela da Silva, spouse of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said that women and children are the real victims of war and that the situation in Gaza clearly demonstrates this reality. Noting that they will continue to work to build peace, Lula da Silva invited everyone to this global call for peace. CALL ON THE WORLD BY THE SPOUSES OF THE HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT AND REPRESENTATIVES OF COUNTRIES AT THE “UNITED FOR PEACE IN PALESTINE” MEETING We as the Spouses of Heads of State and Government and representa- tives of countries, Came together in Istanbul, on 15 November 2023, to draw the attention of the international community to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to call for an end to the tragedy endured by civilians, especially children, women, the patients and the disabled, for the establishment of a just and lasting peace, and to mobilize the international community to take ac- tion against these atrocities which may amount to war crime. We, Are deeply concerned about the humanitarian tragedy in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza and the West Bank, especially East Jerusalem, due to the war that has unfolded since October 7, 2023. Draw attention to the fact that the humanitarian crisis caused by the blockade and embargo imposed on Gaza, which is incompatible with international law, prevents civilians from accessing basic needs and has turned into a real human rights violation. Emphasize that the massacre of more than 11 thousand civilians, mostly children and women, in the tragedy in Gaza since October 7 constitutes one of the gravest violations of international law. Highlight the need to take urgent action to ensure the safety of pregnant women, children, babies and patients who are under inhumane condi- tions and face the threat of massacre. Wish for a two-state solution where both Israelis and Palestinians can raise their children in peace and security. In this context, we, the Spouses of Heads of State and Government and the representatives of countries, call on the entire world for; Immediate and collective action to stop the ongoing massacres in Gaza, Immediate cessation of Israeli attacks targeting all civilian infrastruc- ture in Gaza, including schools, hospitals and other medical facilities, refugee camps, United Nations facilities and places of worship, Urgent ceasefire that will end the hostilities and the provision of unhin- dered, sufficient and safe humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, Firm rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinian civil- ian population, emphasizing the grave impact of displacement under the current circumstances of conflict on women, children and elderly, Immediate and full compliance by all parties with their obligations un- der international law, including international humanitarian law and in- ternational human rights law. 764 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE 7.10 An Iconic Map of Israel’s Systematic Occupation of Palestinian Territo- ries Throughout History United Nations Resolution 181, commonly referred to as the “Partition Resolution,” passed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on November 29, 1947, called for the partition of Palestine into Arab and Jewish states, with the city of Jerusalem as a separate entity (Corpus Separatum). Since then, Israel has expanded its oc- cupied territories, and the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly have issued numerous resolutions condemning the situation. In addressing regional and global issues, the Republic of Türkiye has prioritised sustainable peace and development over the last 100 years. As before, as part of an “enterprising and hu- manitarian” approach to foreign policy, Türkiye is still highly interested in the developments that are occurring in the Palestini- an territory, with Jerusa- lem at its centre, which is home to the oldest human settlements and civilisa- tions. Türkiye is commit- ted to and will continue to exert every effort within its power to put an end to the Israeli atrocities at once. Türkiye calls on the inter- national community to act immediately to ensure the safety of Palestinian people’s lives and property as soon as possible while engaging in leader-to-leader diplomacy for Israel to cease its bombings on Palestinian terri- tories, especially Gaza. In light of Israel’s inhumane acts towards civilians in Palestine, including children, women, and the elderly, Türkiye’s longstanding “A Fairer World is Possible” appro- ach has taken on even greater significance. This book, which chronicles the signifi- cant incidents that unfolded between October 7, 2023, and April 20, 2024, seeks to document the Israeli issue and oppression and serve as a poignant reminder of the rightful Palestinian cause. TÜRKIYE’S SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN’S PEACE INITIATIVE | 765 768 | OUR PALESTINIAN CAUSE