Fidan: Violation of Gaza ceasefire erodes legitimacy of international system
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking at the opening of the Ninth Istanbul Mediation Conference, criticized Israel for repeatedly violating the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and stressed that these actions have weakened trust in the international system and highlighted the need for a just and political solution to the Palestinian issue.
Pointing to the rise in armed conflicts and humanitarian crises in the world, Fidan said: Violations of ceasefires have become normal, and strategic trade and maritime transport routes have also been affected by these crises.
Citing United Nations estimates, he announced: About one quarter of the world population lives in conflict affected areas; every twelve minutes a civilian loses their life in conflicts, and more than one hundred million people have been displaced, about forty percent of whom are children.
Referring to the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, the Turkish foreign minister called for guaranteed access to humanitarian aid and special protection for children, and added: The continuation of Israeli attacks and the violation of the ceasefire reduce trust in international mechanisms.
Fidan described the three principles of honest dialogue, sustainable mediation, and regional responsibility as main foundations for peaceful settlement of disputes and warned that unfair implementation of international rules weakens the legitimacy of institutions and the trust of involved parties.
Referring to Turkish diplomatic efforts in Libya, negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, the Black Sea Grain Agreement, and the Ankara process between Somalia and Ethiopia, he stressed: Keeping dialogue channels open even in difficult conditions provides the ground for reaching broader agreements.
Fidan also introduced the Mecca Defense Coalition and the Balkans Peace Platform as examples of cooperation based on responsibility by regional countries and said: Sustainable solutions cannot be imposed on countries from outside.
