Israeli attacks on Syria ‘deepening the ethnic fault lines’ across region: Turkish foreign minister

WASHINGTON

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan slammed Israel on Wednesday for pursuing an aggressive regional strategy that threatens stability in the Middle East.

“Israel is trying to implement its strategy of aggression not only in Palestine, but also in Lebanon, Syria and Iran,” Fidan told a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

“There is a clear pattern here. If left unchecked, this pattern risks wider destabilization. This is exactly what is going on in Syria. Israeli aggression is threatening the fragile peace that Syrian people paid a high price to reach. These attacks are deepening the ethnic fault lines across the region,” he added.

Stressing that Israel does not want peace and stability in the region, Fidan urged the Council to “collectively” make sure that Syria does not fall into a spiral of violence.​​​​​​​

Fidan noted that Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people continues “unabated.”

“Over two million people are enduring unspeakable suffering in the Gaza Strip. Mass displacement and widespread destruction continue. Deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid is a daily occurrence.

“Civilians are being indiscriminately killed at aid distribution points as they try to access food and water. Starvation is used as a weapon of war. There is no single principle of international humanitarian law that is not violated by Israel,” he added.

He stressed that the Palestinian people are the target of the Israeli “war machine,” which he said is fed by hate, impunity and unconditional support by some.

“This is only possible because some of us choose to look away, even in the face of extreme suffering. This cannot continue,” he added.

‘Security Council not only failed the people of Gaza. It failed human dignity’

Reminding the Council members that there has been “no safe access to humanitarian aid in Gaza for more than four months,” Fidan said “the only effective means” of delivering aid is through the UN.

“Alternative models compromise the impartiality or dignity of aid delivery.

“Aid must be delivered promptly, adequately and without obstruction, through all available crossings, in full accordance with international humanitarian law and in coordination with the United Nations,” he said.

He reiterated that the recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine remain “essential for lasting peace” in the Middle East.

“That is why we will continue to work towards increasing the international recognition of the State of Palestine and securing full Palestinian membership to the United Nations,” he said.

Fidan also slammed the Council for not taking steps regarding the situation in the besieged Gaza Strip.

“One fact is clear beyond any doubt: The Security Council not only failed the people of Gaza, it failed human dignity.

“It failed the very values and principles that the United Nations is founded upon. The crisis in Gaza has passed the point of being an humanitarian emergency,” he said.

Urging the member states to stop the Israeli “war machine” and “impunity,” Fidan called for a “immediate and sustained” ceasefire, “unhindered” humanitarian aid in Gaza and a “renewed and urgent” commitment to the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.

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