TBMM President Numan Kurtulmuş has been actively engaged in parliamentary diplomacy for the past year to amplify Palestine’s voice to the world and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Kurtulmuş has undertaken extensive efforts to halt the catastrophe in Gaza, establish peace, and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
**Parliamentary Diplomacy Efforts**
In the course of his parliamentary diplomacy efforts, Kurtulmuş conducted official visits to 19 different countries, including Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, on two occasions. He participated in three international meetings where multidimensional international issues were discussed, and solutions were proposed. Additionally, Kurtulmuş attended a total of 9 general assembly meetings, conferences, and symposiums organized by other parliaments or international parliamentary assemblies.
Since taking office, Kurtulmuş has held discussions with a wide range of international figures, including 12 presidents/heads of state, 3 vice presidents, 59 parliament/senate presidents, 5 parliament/senate vice presidents, 6 prime ministers, 1 deputy prime minister, 9 ministers, 6 presidents of international organizations and parliamentary assemblies, 4 presidents of parliamentary friendship groups and commissions, 41 ambassadors, and 15 different delegations.
**Advocating for Palestine**
Kurtulmuş has been vocal in calling for the cessation of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. He has worked tirelessly to strengthen the humanitarian front and mobilize the international community against the Zionist regime. Since October 7, 2023, he has engaged in discussions with approximately 200 individuals, including heads of state, government leaders, and parliamentary speakers, emphasizing the atrocities being committed in Gaza.
During a speech at the International Sarajevo University in Bosnia and Herzegovina in November, Kurtulmuş drew parallels between the atrocities in Auschwitz, Srebrenica, and Gaza, highlighting the need for accountability for those responsible for the massacre in Gaza. He emphasized that those complicit in the massacre would face justice, and those who remained silent would be held accountable.
**Peace Diplomacy**
In his diplomatic engagements, Kurtulmuş has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid. He has also advocated for unity among Muslim countries to address the crisis effectively. Kurtulmuş has underscored the necessity of implementing a two-state solution, establishing an independent Palestinian state with its capital in Jerusalem within the 1967 borders.
Furthermore, he has emphasized the importance of ending illegal settlements and Israel’s occupation and annexation attempts, while safeguarding the sanctity of holy sites for Muslims, Christians, and Jews, which he believes will pave the way for peace.
**TBMM Initiatives**
Within the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), various initiatives have been undertaken to condemn Israel’s attacks and human rights violations. Joint statements and resolutions have been adopted to denounce the atrocities, war crimes, and inhumane practices in Palestine. Two Presidential Resolutions signed by Kurtulmuş have affirmed solidarity with the people of Gaza, demonstrating unanimous support from the international community.
The TBMM has closely monitored South Africa’s case against Israel for genocide at the International Court of Justice, with the legal team contributing significantly to Turkey’s intervention in the case. The Public Ombudsman Institution, under the auspices of the TBMM Presidency, has compiled a report titled “Gaza: Humanity’s Catastrophe,” documenting Israel’s grave humanitarian crimes with evidence and testimonies for international legal purposes.
**Addressing the International Community**
In an extraordinary session of the General Assembly convened on August 15, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was invited to address the TBMM, shedding light on the ongoing plight in Palestine amidst Israel’s attacks. Abbas’s speech was closely observed by the international community, emphasizing the TBMM’s commitment to humanity, justice, and peace.
The diligent efforts of TBMM President Numan Kurtulmuş in leveraging parliamentary diplomacy to amplify Palestine’s voice and advocate for peace have been crucial in raising awareness about the atrocities in Gaza and mobilizing global support for the Palestinian cause. Through diplomatic engagements, international initiatives, and legal interventions, Turkey stands as a beacon of hope for Palestine and a champion of justice on the world stage.
