UPDATE - Türkiye observes International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People

UPDATE WITH MESSAGES BY HAKAN FIDAN, ALI YERLIKAYA, EMINE ERDOGAN AND FAHRETTIN ALTUN

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's Foreign Ministry marked the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on Friday, reaffirming its unwavering support for Palestine.

“We strongly reiterate our commitment to the brotherly Palestinian people that we will always support them in their struggle for freedom, independence, and dignity,” the ministry said in a statement.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Palestinian people have been waging an "honorable struggle" without giving up their "just cause despite the injustice and persecution they have been subjected to since 1947."

Türkiye will continue to work with the Palestinian people and the international community for the establishment of justice and peace, Fidan said on X.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya pledged unwavering support for Palestinians on the occasion. "We will continue to stand united with the honorable Palestinian people," he said on X.

First lady Emine Erdogan described Palestine as a symbol of resilience. "Palestine...is the name of resistance..., hope, and the common conscience of humanity. On this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I hope the whole world unites around justice and conscience," Erdogan said on X.

Communications Director Fahrettin Altun shared a video on X highlighting Israel's atrocities since 1947, stating: “The process that began with the (illegal Israeli) settler invasion of the Palestinian territories, occupied since 1947, continues with painful massacres and the genocide that has been committed for 420 days. Only the 'Alliance of Humanity' can stop it."

Observed annually on Nov. 29, the day highlights Palestinian aspirations for peace, justice, and self-determination.

It was established by the UN in 1977, three decades after UN General Assembly resolution 181, which proposed the partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, underscoring the enduring quest for resolution between the two sides, though prospects for this currently appear distant amid Israel's ongoing genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

The brutal Israeli offensive followed a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in October last year. Since then, Israeli attacks have killed nearly 44,300 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 104,700.

Last week, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 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 for its deadly war on Gaza.