UK premier says Türkiye playing an 'important' role in Syria

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday highlighted Türkiye's pivotal role in Syria and urged immediate action to address the crisis in Gaza during a House of Commons Liaison Committee session.

Starmer addressed key foreign policy challenges, including the evolving situation in Syria and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza at the session, which brought together senior lawmakers from across the political spectrum.

Discussing the evolving situation in Syria, Starmer reflected on the potential implications of the Bashar Assad regime's downfall.

While Starmer acknowledged that the removal of Assad could be seen as a positive development, he cautioned against assuming that what follows would necessarily lead to a better future for Syria.

Addressing the role of Türkiye, he emphasized the country's significance in the region.

Asked whether he agreed with US President-elect Donald Trump's assertion that Türkiye plays a central role in Syria, he said: "Of course, the role of Türkiye is clearly important, and has been part of our discussions.

"This is a fast-moving, complicated situation. So, I personally wouldn't say it's all about one thing or another. Lots of moving parts here. But is Türkiye an important part of all this? Yeah, absolutely."

Trump said Monday that he thinks Türkiye "is going to hold the key to Syria" after over five decades of Assad family rule abruptly came to an end this month, hailing his relationship with the Turkish president.

- 'Terrible settler violence'

Turning to the crisis in Gaza, Starmer called for an immediate cease-fire, emphasizing the dire need for humanitarian aid and the release of Israeli hostages.

“We need this cease-fire, and we need it right now,” he stated, noting that intense international discussions were ongoing to achieve this goal. “A cease-fire is not worthy of its name if it doesn’t involve the release of hostages. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic, and aid must be delivered both in volume and at speed.”

The prime minister highlighted the importance of using a cease-fire as an opportunity to move toward a two-state solution.

“The ultimate goal must be a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. That is the only long-term solution to this conflict,” he stressed.

He also addressed the broader regional context, including the situation in the occupied West Bank. Starmer condemned the “terrible settler violence” and reiterated the UK’s commitment to international law.

"The anchor has to be international law. It provides clarity and a framework for addressing the unlawfulness on the ground and for moving toward a sustainable resolution," he said.

Israel has launched a genocidal war on Gaza that has killed over 45,100 victims, mostly women and children, since a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last month for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions during the war.