Türkiye Reiterates Commitment to Palestinian Statehood
On November 15, 2025, Türkiye officially congratulated the State of Palestine on the 37th anniversary of its founding, reaffirming its steadfast support for the Palestinian people's 'inalienable rights' and 'just cause'. The Turkish Foreign Ministry conveyed its message via the social media platform NSosyal, emphasizing Türkiye's enduring commitment to a lasting peace in the region through a two-state solution.
Historical Context of Palestinian Declaration
The State of Palestine was formally declared on November 15, 1988, by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Algiers, Algeria, during a session of the Palestinian National Council. This historic declaration aimed to assert Palestinian sovereignty and garner international recognition following decades of conflict and Israeli occupation. Since its proclamation, Palestine has received recognition from numerous countries globally, though it continues to pursue full United Nations membership and broader international acknowledgment.
Advocacy for a Two-State Solution and East Jerusalem
The Turkish Foreign Ministry's statement underscored Türkiye's consistent objective: 'the establishment of an independent, sovereign and territorially integrated State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on a two-state solution for lasting peace'. This position has been consistently championed by Turkish diplomacy. Recently, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated this stance, emphasizing that the 'Gaza Strip is part of Palestine; it must remain so and be treated as such'. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also advocated for Palestine's full membership in the United Nations during a high-level international conference in September 2025, stressing the need for a geographically unified State of Palestine.
Broader Diplomatic Engagements and Support
Türkiye's support for Palestine extends to various diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. The country has actively engaged in discussions with international partners, including Egypt, to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and advance the peace process. Foreign Minister Fidan has also expressed Türkiye's readiness to contribute to stabilization efforts, including potentially 'sending troops' to Gaza after a ceasefire. Furthermore, Türkiye welcomed the outcomes on Palestine in the Bahrain Declaration, which called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces, and an international peace conference. In a significant legal move, Türkiye also issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza, a step hailed by Palestine as a 'victory for justice'.
Conclusion
Türkiye's reaffirmation of support on the 37th anniversary of the State of Palestine's founding highlights its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause. Through diplomatic initiatives, humanitarian aid, and advocacy for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital, Türkiye continues to play an active role in seeking a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.
6 Comments
Mariposa
Focusing on old borders ignores the complex reality on the ground. Unhelpful.
Bella Ciao
It's positive to see calls for a two-state solution and a ceasefire in Gaza, yet the suggestion of sending Turkish troops might be perceived as an escalation rather than a stabilizing force. International peacekeeping should be truly neutral.
Comandante
Sending troops to Gaza? That's a recipe for disaster, not peace.
Africa
East Jerusalem as capital is non-negotiable. Türkiye gets it.
Bermudez
Solidarity with the Palestinian people is paramount. Türkiye stands strong.
Raphael
Recognizing the 37th anniversary is a symbolic gesture of support, but a lasting resolution requires both sides to come to the table with genuine intent to negotiate. Strong rhetoric from one side can make this harder.