Türkiye urges 'irreversible steps' toward Palestinian statehood at UNGA

Türkiye on Wednesday urged the international community to take “irreversible steps” toward implementing the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as foreign ministers convened at a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly.

“In Gaza, Israel continues to commit genocide before the eyes of the international community,” said Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz, citing recent findings from a UN independent commission of inquiry.

“In the West Bank and Jerusalem, illegal settlements, settler violence and provocations at holy sites intensify the crisis. Israel’s reckless threats and assaults across the Middle East, from Syria, Iran, Lebanon to Qatar, are clear proof that the eyes and minds of its leadership are totally sealed with extreme fanaticism.”

Yilmaz stressed two urgent priorities: “An immediate ceasefire with unhindered humanitarian access and irreversible steps towards implementing the two-state solution.”

He warned against Israel’s attempts to dismantle the Palestinian Authority, called for continued support to UNRWA (UN agency for Palestinian refugees), and said Palestine’s full UN membership “should be a high priority.”

- Palestinian prime minister addresses session virtually

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, speaking via video link after being denied a US visa, said the growing number of countries recognizing Palestine was a step forward but stressed that political and financial backing were urgently needed.

“This Israeli government fully rejects Palestinian statehood, and considers that the best way to end such a prospect is to undermine and maybe even seek the collapse of the Palestinian Authority,” he warned.

- Spain pledges €50 million for PA

Spain used the forum to announce fresh financial backing for the Palestinian Authority.

“There is a clear risk of financial collapse of the Palestinian Authority. That’s why Spain is announcing that we will disburse immediately 50 million euros,” Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares declared.

He urged others to review their budgets to help stabilize Palestinian institutions. “The only path, and we know it all, including Israel, towards a just and comprehensive peace, is the implementation of the two-state solution.”

- Attacks against Gaza flotilla raise concern

Ireland’s Foreign Minister Simon Harris voiced alarm over both the humanitarian crisis and the overnight attacks against the Gaza aid flotilla.

“I'm extremely concerned about developments overnight involving the global flotilla and the welfare and safety of those aboard must be a priority,” he said.

Highlighting international consensus, he added that as many as “142 countries have endorsed the New York Declaration. We now have a strong, action-orientated outcome document. I'm proud that Ireland was a co-chair, along with Türkiye.”

Martin announced that Dublin will host a meeting in the coming months to share lessons from Northern Ireland’s peace process. “No two conflicts are the same … but peace is always, always better than the alternative,” he said.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that “a ceasefire is the only way for unconditional release of all hostages and eventually a permanent end to hostilities.”

- Regional and international backing

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said Riyadh would continue diplomatic and humanitarian work to secure Palestinian borders “based on the 1967 lines and to have security and prosperity for the whole nations of the area.”

Jordan’s Ayman Safadi accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of wanting “a wider war.” “It's high time that we move to action and not content ourselves with words. We should take measures to dissuade the prime minister of Israel from his position.”

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said: “There will be no stability in the area without a permanent solution for the establishment of Palestine.”

Chile’s Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren said the two-state solution is the “only viable path to a just and lasting peace.”

“We stand ready to work with all partners to make this roadmap a reality,” he added.