'Türkiye pursues independent policy rooted in the law and justice, and has strongly condemned Israel's genocidal crimes in Gaza,' says Turkish Foreign Ministry
Türkiye on Sunday rejected "politically motivated” attempts to slander its policy on Palestine, saying that certain recent allegations have no relation to reality.
"We reject these politically motivated attempts to smear our support for the Palestinian people and mislead public opinion," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"Türkiye pursues an independent policy rooted in law and justice, and has strongly condemned Israel's genocidal crimes in Gaza. The fact that Israeli politicians repeatedly target our country only confirms the correctness of our stance.”
Contrary to the disinformation being spread, Türkiye "has taken and implemented decisions" that gone well beyond the measures outlined in a joint statement adopted last week in Bogota, Colombia, the ministry said.
It added that Türkiye fully ceased all trade with Israel in May 2024, with no exports or imports having occurred since. At the same time, careful steps were taken to ensure that the Palestinian people were not adversely affected by this decision, the ministry stressed.
"Türkiye also takes every possible measure to block military sales to Israel and plays a leading role on international platforms. We spearheaded an initiative at the United Nations, with the support of 52 countries, to halt arms transfers to Israel," it said.
From the very beginning, Ankara "closely" monitored the situation involving the intercepted aid ship Madleen, the ministry noted, adding that Türkiye brought to international attention Israel's unlawful actions in international waters and took all necessary measures to ensure the safe release of its citizens who were on board when Israel blocked the ship last month.
Türkiye has consistently expressed its firm opposition to any plans involving the forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, it further said, stating that in line with this stance, Ankara has endorsed the Arab League–Organization of Islamic Cooperation plan for Gaza's reconstruction and backed all initiatives aimed at preventing the forced removal of Palestinians.
"Contrary to baseless allegations, Türkiye is one of the strongest legal advocates for the Palestinian cause."
"We are one of the 13 states that joined the genocide case filed against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and we have contributed to two ongoing advisory proceedings at the Court. From the outset, we have provided full legal, consular, and political support to Ms. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi and Ms. Rumeysa Ozturk," the ministry underscored, referring to two pro-Palestinian activists, the first killed by the Israeli army last September, and the other targeted by US immigration agents for deportation for writing in favor of Palestinian rights.
"Türkiye will not allow any pressure or smear campaign to succeed in this just cause, which resonates with our nation's conscience," it stated, adding that Ankara remains unwavering in its support for the Palestinian people, fully upholding international law and the core principles of human rights.
