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Palestine’s new Ambassador to Ankara Nasri Abu Jaish said Türkiye and its people have always stood in solidarity with Palestine, describing the Turkish government and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as “Palestine’s greatest supporters.”
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Abu Jaish said Türkiye has been a constant ally of Palestine, providing “significant support and standing by our side in solidarity.”
The ambassador emphasized that Palestine wants the International Stability Force to consist of Islamic countries and that Türkiye should be part of it. “We want this force to include Islamic states, and of course, Türkiye among them,” he said.
He stated that Palestine’s position is clear: an international force should be deployed in Gaza and the West Bank to protect the Palestinian people.
“As the State of Palestine, we want a stability force both in Gaza and the West Bank to protect our people,” he said.
Abu Jaish added that the idea of such a force was also supported by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and that discussions continue over its naming and structure.
Regarding the ongoing Israeli attacks and the situation in Gaza, Abu Jaish said Israel used the Oct. 7, 2023, events as a pretext for its plans.
“Israel used October 7 to carry out its genocide plan, displace people in Gaza, and continue its practices in the West Bank. The current Israeli government is one of the most extreme in its history,” he said.
He accused the United States of being a “partner in genocide,” expressing distrust in Washington’s statements opposing the annexation of the West Bank.
Abu Jaish also noted that Israel’s attempts to expand its control over Palestinian lands have continued since 1967 but have failed due to the determination of the Palestinian people.
“We are determined, we are patient, and we will continue our struggle and remain on our land,” he said.
The ambassador highlighted that national unity is essential for resisting Israel’s plans, noting that internal divisions have long harmed the Palestinian cause.
“This is the right time to end the division,” he said. “It is a suitable time for Hamas to join the Fatah movement and the Palestine Liberation Organization, which is the sole representative of the Palestinian people.”
He said several meetings have been held in different countries to achieve reconciliation and expressed hope that they will produce results.
Abu Jaish thanked Türkiye for its role in the ceasefire talks in Gaza and its continued humanitarian and diplomatic efforts. “Türkiye’s position on Palestine is greatly appreciated by every Palestinian, from children to President Abbas,” he said.
The ambassador added that Türkiye’s inclusion in organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation–Arab League Gaza Contact Group is very important for Palestine, making Palestinians feel safer and more supported.
“Türkiye has global and regional weight,” Abu Jaish said. “Its support for the Palestinian state and people is very important for us.”
He expressed gratitude to the Turkish government, the people of Türkiye, President Erdogan, the Turkish Parliament, and all political parties for their support, also thanking Türkiye for its aid in delivering food, treating the wounded, and supporting Palestinian students.
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