Israel’s genocide of Palestinians should be kept at top of global agenda: Turkish minister

Ankara (Quds News Network) – The ongoing tragedy in the Gaza Strip due to Israel’s devastating military onslaught should be kept at top of global agenda, a Turkish minister has said, calling for a united effort to end the tragedy.

Speaking at the 68th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas, said, “When discussing equality, we cannot ignore the ongoing humanitarian crisis as a result of Israel’s actions towards Palestinians, which lead to immense human suffering.”

The CSW, dedicated to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, provided a platform for Minister Goktas to address the pressing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She highlighted the disproportionate impact of Israel’s aggression on Palestinians, resulting in immense human suffering, particularly affecting women and children.

Goktas condemned the Israeli attacks in Gaza, reiterating Turkey’s call for an immediate cease-fire and rapid humanitarian aid. She expressed Turkey’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people, emphasizing that 70% of those who lost their lives in the conflict were women and children.

“We need to keep the ongoing massacre in Palestine at the top of the global agenda and redouble our efforts towards putting an end to this tragedy. We must unite in our shared sense of pain and ensure that our voices are heard stronger and louder,” Minister Goktas urged.

On the sidelines of the UN event, Minister Goktas held discussions with her Palestinian counterpart, Amal Hamad, to address the situation in Gaza. Goktas emphasized the joint advocacy for a safe and protected lifestyle for women and children worldwide, especially in Palestine.

The Israeli military offensive on the Gaza Strip, ongoing since October 7, has resulted in a dire humanitarian situation. Over 31,100 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed, with more than 72,700 others injured, amid widespread destruction and shortages of necessities. Israel’s blockade has left Gaza’s population on the verge of starvation, with at least 27 people reported dead from malnutrition and dehydration.

The UN reports that the Israeli war has displaced 85% of Gaza’s population internally, damaging or destroying 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure.

Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, with an interim ruling in January urging Tel Aviv to cease genocidal acts and ensure humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.