Palestinian Territories

In a move sparking controversy and diplomatic ripples, the United States wielded its veto power at the United Nations to thwart a resolution advocating for the recognition of a Palestinian state. The resolution, which recommended granting Palestine full membership in the organization, faced staunch opposition from the US, resulting in its ultimate rejection.

Senior Turkish and American diplomats have exchanged views on unfolding developments in the Middle East and the Ukraine-Russia war, as well as bilateral ties ahead of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's planned trip to Washington in early May.

The Islamic world should increase its efforts to stop the Israeli brutality against Palestinian civilians in Gaza, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said, as Türkiye is ramping up its diplomatic push to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a call to the global community to condemn the Israeli bombardment of hospitals, schools, mosques and churches in the besieged Gaza Strip.

"Humanity must prevent further violations of international law in Gaza," Erdoğan said in a letter to Pope Francis on April 13, emphasizing that civilians should never be targeted in times of war.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has spoken with Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas on the phone to discuss the latest developments regarding the continued offensive by the Israeli military on the Palestinians in Gaza, reiterating once again the need for an immediate ceasefire in the enclave.

Türkiye will not stop supporting Palestine and sending humanitarian aid to the civilians stranded in Gaza, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said, vowing that trade restrictions imposed on Israel will remain in place until a ceasefire is reached and enough amount of humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians.

"The Islamic world must show unity to end Israel's attacks on Palestine as soon as possible," President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged in a phone call with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday.

The Palestinian delegation to the United Nations is pushing for a vote to be recognized as a full member state next month, Ambassador Riyad Mansour has said, a move opposed by the United States.

"We are seeking admission. That is our natural and legal right," Mansour said, adding that he was pushing for an April 18 vote at the Security Council.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his British, Finnish, Greek, and Bulgarian counterparts on the sidelines of the NATO foreign ministers' summit in Brussels on Wednesday.

Fidan and British Foreign Minister David Cameron discussed a variety of topics, including the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts, according to diplomatic sources.

The bilateral trade volume between Türkiye and Israel has declined by 33 percent between Oct. 7 and March 20, Trade Minister Ömer Bolat has said. 

"Public institutions and state-owned companies never do business with Israel," Bolat said in an interview with private broadcaster 24 TV.