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Turkish Parliament speaker urges UN action against Israeli aggression in Gaza

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus speaking at the 6th World Conference of Parliament Speakers on July 29, 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo via Turkish Grand National Assembly)
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Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus speaking at the 6th World Conference of Parliament Speakers on July 29, 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo via Turkish Grand National Assembly)
July 31, 2025 02:44 PM GMT+03:00

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus called on the United Nations to immediately take concrete measures to stop Israeli aggression and open Gaza's border crossings from both north and south to save dying civilians during a press conference with Geneva-based journalists on Thursday.

Speaking to members of the Association of Correspondents Accredited to the United Nations (ACANU) in Geneva, Kurtulmus criticized the international organization's inaction on the Palestinian crisis and questioned its effectiveness.

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus meets with journalists from the Association of Press Members Accredited to the United Nations Office (ACANU) in Geneva, Switzerland on July 31, 2025. (Photo via Turkish Grand National Assembly)
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus meets with journalists from the Association of Press Members Accredited to the United Nations Office (ACANU) in Geneva, Switzerland on July 31, 2025. (Photo via Turkish Grand National Assembly)

Sharp criticism of UN response to Palestinian crisis

"What needs to be done is for the United Nations to immediately take concrete measures that will stop Israel's aggression," Kurtulmus said.

"The U.N. should immediately ensure the opening of Gaza's border crossings from both the south and north to ensure that these dying people are saved from death," he added.

Kurtulmus expressed frustration with the U.N.'s inability to address the humanitarian catastrophe, asking: "We are now speaking at the United Nations. Where is the United Nations? What good is this United Nations?"

The Parliament speaker emphasized that hunger is being used as a weapon in Gaza, with international aid supplies waiting at the borders but prevented from entering since January.

"All humanitarian aid materials from around the world are waiting at the door, but they are not being allowed in," Kurtulmus said. "Because it has been decided to use hunger as a weapon."

He criticized the U.N. Security Council's inability to act due to vetoes, calling it "a dysfunctional institution."

Despite government silence in many Western countries, Kurtulmus noted growing popular support for Palestinians worldwide.

"Even though governments in Western countries remain silent on the Palestinian issue, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of people in the streets support the Palestinian people," he said. "This is an indication that the oppressed have won in the world."

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus (R) meets with chairman of Palestinian National Council Rawhi Fattouh (L) in Geneva, Switzerland on July 30, 2025. (Photo via Turkish Grand National Assembly)
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus (R) meets with chairman of Palestinian National Council Rawhi Fattouh (L) in Geneva, Switzerland on July 30, 2025. (Photo via Turkish Grand National Assembly)

Israeli regional strategy poses broader threat

The Turkish Parliament speaker also warned that Israel's actions extend beyond Palestinian territories, arguing that the country has begun implementing a strategy to divide and fragment the region.

"It is clear that Israel has already started its work to divide and fragment the region," Kurtulmus said. "No matter how aggressive it may be, I think those who are committed to the Israeli government's promised land goal are smart enough not to mess with Türkiye."

He noted that over the past two years, Israel has bombed Lebanon, Yemen, Syria and Iran, "doing so in a manner that ignores the sovereignty rights of these countries."

A view of damage at the Syrian General Staff headquarters and nearby buildings following Israeli airstrikes targeting the capital Damascus, Syria on July 17, 2025. (AA Photo)
A view of damage at the Syrian General Staff headquarters and nearby buildings following Israeli airstrikes targeting the capital Damascus, Syria on July 17, 2025. (AA Photo)

Turkish mediation efforts in Ukraine-Russia conflict

Kurtulmus outlined Türkiye's ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, describing the country's "shuttle diplomacy" approach.

"We knew from the very beginning that this war was not just a war between Russia and Ukraine, but had the potential to turn into a war between Russia and all of Europe, and even the whole world," he said.

The speaker revealed that three meetings between Russian and Ukrainian delegations have been held in Türkiye since June, with progress made on prisoner exchange issues. He expressed hope for a fourth meeting in Istanbul where the two countries' leaders could sign a lasting peace agreement.

"Achieving a just peace is Türkiye's top priority here," Kurtulmus stated.

Kurtulmus criticized European countries for failing to develop effective policies regarding the Ukraine conflict, particularly after the 2014 annexation of Crimea.

"Europe is now in the indecision caused by not being able to use this initiative," he said, using a Turkish expression to describe Europe as having "missed the boat."

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (C) chairs the third round of renewed Russia-Ukraine talks hosted by Turkiye, also attended by National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Chief Ibrahim Kalin (2nd R) and Chief of General Staff General Metin Gurak (2nd L) at Ciragan Palace in Istanbul on July 23, 2025. (AA Photo)
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (C) chairs the third round of renewed Russia-Ukraine talks hosted by Turkiye, also attended by National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Chief Ibrahim Kalin (2nd R) and Chief of General Staff General Metin Gurak (2nd L) at Ciragan Palace in Istanbul on July 23, 2025. (AA Photo)

Syria's transition process and regional challenges

Discussing Syria's post-Assad transition, Kurtulmus emphasized the importance of an inclusive government and territorial integrity.

"The lifting of embargoes against Syria by some Western countries is promising," he said. "From now on, the most important thing is for Syria to complete this process with an inclusive management style and without being divided or fragmented."

He warned against external provocations, particularly from Israel, that could undermine Syria's recovery process.

Strong condemnation of Israeli actions

Kurtulmus lastly argued that the "humanity front" has already defeated Netanyahu and his associates, citing international court proceedings and growing global opposition to Israeli policies.

"We can say that today in the world, the humanity front has won against Netanyahu and his gang," he said.

The Parliament speaker called for immediate international pressure on the Israeli government, warning that countries remaining silent on the Palestinian issue would face consequences.

Kurtulmus concluded by inviting countries supporting Palestine to join the Parliamentary Group Supporting Palestine, aiming to translate popular humanitarian voices into parliamentary action.

July 31, 2025 02:44 PM GMT+03:00
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