As the United Nations General Assembly convenes this week in New York, Turkey is set to draw attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The NATO member, which joined the alliance in 1952, has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel's military actions in the region.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has held office since 2014, is scheduled to address the assembly on September 24, 2024. He is expected to emphasize what Turkey considers a "genocide" occurring in Gaza and reiterate his call for reforming the UN structure to be more inclusive. This push for reform comes as the UN Security Council, with its five permanent members holding veto power, faces criticism for its effectiveness in addressing global crises.
Turkey's stance on the Gaza situation has led to significant diplomatic actions. The country has suspended all trade with Israel and joined a genocide case against it at the International Court of Justice, established in 1945. Israel, however, has consistently rejected these accusations, maintaining that its operations in Gaza are acts of self-defense targeting Hamas, which several countries have designated as a terrorist organization.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has been actively engaging with his Muslim counterparts in New York, urging them to use their diplomatic channels to highlight the Gaza issue. This diplomatic push occurs against the backdrop of the most intense cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon since the Israel-Hamas conflict began 11 months ago.
The conflict has had a severe impact on the Gaza Strip, home to approximately 2 million people and under blockade since 2007. Turkey, with its population of 84 million and strategic position as a transcontinental country spanning Europe and Asia, sees itself as a key player in addressing this crisis.
Turkey's involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict is not new. The country experienced a diplomatic crisis with Israel in 2010 over the Gaza flotilla raid, highlighting the long-standing tensions in the region. The current conflict is rooted in a complex history dating back to the mid-20th century.
As the UN General Assembly, comprising 193 member states, meets for its regular session from September to December, Turkey aims to leverage its position as the country with the second-largest standing military force in NATO after the United States. The Turkish delegation plans to raise the Gaza issue in all bilateral meetings throughout the week, emphasizing the need for international action.
"We will underscore the ongoing genocide in Gaza and repeat our call to reform the UN structure to be more inclusive."
This statement reflects Turkey's broader foreign policy objectives, which include its long-standing candidacy for EU membership since 1999. By taking a strong stance on the Gaza issue at the UN, Turkey seeks to assert its influence on the global stage and push for what it sees as necessary changes in international governance structures.
As the world watches the proceedings in New York, Turkey's advocacy for Gaza and call for UN reform will likely be a significant focus of this year's General Assembly, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing complex international conflicts.