Turkish minister walks out of Israeli official’s UN address in Gaza protest

Türkiye’s Family and Social Services Minister, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, staged a diplomatic protest on Thursday by walking out of a session at the UN’s 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York as Israel’s minister began to speak. The move underscores Ankara’s unwavering condemnation of Israeli policies in Gaza.

Protest at UN Platform

As Israeli Minister May Golan took the floor at the high-level gathering, Göktaş promptly exited the venue. She was not alone in her demonstration, as delegates from several other nations also vacated their seats in a collective show of disapproval. The protest highlights the growing international discomfort with Israel’s actions, which have drawn sharp rebukes from various capitals.

Türkiye’s Stance on Gaza

The walkout reflects Türkiye’s consistent and vocal position against the military offensive in Gaza, where the toll on civilians has been severe. Since October 7, 2023, nearly 72,000 people—a majority of them women and children—have been killed in the besieged enclave. Ankara has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access, positioning itself as a leading voice for the Palestinian cause on the world stage.

The CSW, scheduled from March 9 to 19, serves as the UN’s premier forum dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women globally. This year’s theme, “Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls,” aims to address systemic legal barriers, a focus that stands in stark contrast to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.