Konya Metropolitan Mayor Altay Issues Global Warning Regarding Israel Conflict
The United Cities and Local Governments World Organization and the Mayor of Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Uğur İbrahim Altay, made a passionate call for justice for all during the UCLG 2024 World Council held in The Hague, which also hosts the International Criminal Court. Altay criticized the lack of concrete decisions in the trial process initiated for the inhumane actions of Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for global leaders to act in the face of injustice based on race and belief. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that the world could be on the brink of a global war if Israel’s actions are not curbed.
Mayor Altay reiterated his commitment to stand against wars, oppression, and genocide during his speech at the World Council opening. He condemned the systematic attacks by the Israeli regime, which continue to claim the lives of innocent civilians, including children and women, in Gaza and Lebanon. Altay warned that if the atrocities committed by Israel are not stopped immediately, the world could find itself in the midst of an irreversible war. He called for justice for all and urged global action during the days of the World Council in The Hague.
Addressing the delay in the trial process of Netanyahu at the International Criminal Court, Altay expressed concern over the prolonged Gaza genocide due to the lack of concrete decisions. He pointed out the failure to deliver justice for the victims of Israeli aggression, despite Palestine’s appeal in 2009. Altay criticized the selective application of justice based on race and belief, highlighting the need for accountability regardless of the ethnicity of the victims. He called on the international community to take immediate action to prevent further atrocities and ensure justice prevails.
Altay’s plea for global solidarity and action was echoed in his closing remarks at the World Council. He emphasized the importance of building global partnerships to amplify the voices of local and regional governments on crucial issues like housing, water access, and peacebuilding. Altay stressed the need for collective efforts to address the current human rights crises and work towards establishing peace in conflict-ridden regions.
The Mayor also highlighted the travel restrictions imposed on UCLG-MEWA President Tayseer Abu Sneineh by Israel, preventing his attendance at the Council meeting. Altay condemned the unjust treatment of Sneineh and reiterated his commitment to advocating for the rights of all oppressed individuals. He underscored the importance of raising awareness about human rights violations and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Altay concluded his speech by emphasizing the power of local action and the need for resilience, equality, and sustainability in global efforts. He thanked his colleagues for their unwavering commitment to the cause of peace and urged continued collaboration to address the challenges facing humanity.
In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, Altay signed a sister city agreement with Paola Pabon, the Governor of Pichincha Province in Ecuador, during the World Council meeting. He also visited Turkey’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Selçuk Ünal, along with other Turkish municipal leaders to discuss mutual cooperation and support.
Overall, Altay’s impassioned pleas for justice, peace, and global solidarity serve as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to address the ongoing conflicts and human rights violations around the world. His unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of all individuals, regardless of race or belief, underscores the importance of upholding universal principles of justice and equality in the face of adversity.
