Istanbul: Senate President Faisal Fayez has advocated for a unified Arab Muslim approach regarding the Palestinian issue as the United States undergoes a political transition with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in January. Speaking at the Bosphorus Summit in Istanbul, Fayez emphasized the necessity of a collective stance to address the ongoing conflict and achieve peace in the region. According to Jordan News Agency, Fayez highlighted in an interview with Anadolu Agency that Israel will not experience peace without resolving the Palestinian question. He underscored Turkyie's critical role as a regional power, capable of contributing to the resolution of the "Arab-Israeli conflict," given its NATO membership and strong diplomatic relations with the EU and the USA. Fayez pointed out that Anqara has imposed economic sanctions on Israel to pressure it into halting what he described as a "genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza. The conflict, he noted, has resulted in at least 146,000 casualties, predominantly affecting children and women. Furthermore, the humanitarian crisis has led to about 10,000 individuals reported missing since the conflict's onset on October 7, 2023, with children and seniors facing starvation. He commended Turkyie's decision to suspend trade with Israel until a ceasefire is established and aid can flow unimpeded into Gaza. Shifting focus to the unrest in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Fayez cited official Palestinian figures reporting over 779 deaths and 6,300 injuries, advocating for a Palestinian state based on the June 1967 borders. Expressing frustration over Israel's non-compliance with UN resolutions and ICJ rulings, Fayez criticized ongoing violations against Palestinians and the expansion of illegal settlements. He also lamented the lack of cooperation among countries in Africa, the Arab world, and the Gulf despite their significant resources, which hinders sustainable development efforts.
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