ANKARA

Israel is “a state formed through a regional project, serving the interests of Western powers, and the Palestinian people became its victims," the Ambassador of Palestine to Türkiye said Monday.

Faed Mustafa was speaking at the opening of a panel discussion titled "The Israel-Palestine Conflict and the Middle East Impasse" organized by the Center for Asian Studies Practice and Research (ASYAM) of Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University (AHBV).

Mustafa emphasized the importance of understanding and thoroughly explaining history, noting that the events in Palestine span a significant 107-year history.

He pointed out that the process initiated by the Balfour Declaration was not random, noting that these projects were "meticulously" prepared and studied.

Mustafa highlighted that the forces targeting the Ottoman Empire in the past also targeted Palestine, a "trend" that persisted for centuries.

He added that other powers believed that the establishment of a foreign entity like Israel would disrupt the "unity and solidarity" in the region.

He noted that the "imperialist state" continued to support Israel after Oct. 7, 2023, perceiving it as their major project in the region.

Highlighting that Palestinians have openly resisted and fought for their rights since 1917, Mustafa said “the Zionist occupation extends beyond Palestine. As written at the entrance of the Israeli parliament, their goal is from the Euphrates to the Nile."

He stressed that the "failure" of the project was due to the resistance of the Palestinian people, warning that without their fight, "imperialist states" would have implemented their goals in a wider area.

Mustafa pointed out Israel's efforts to maintain its demographic power in Palestinian territories by encouraging Jewish migration from various countries while pressuring Palestinians to emigrate.

Despite these challenges, he highlighted the demographic resilience of Palestinians, saying "Israel is clearly committing crimes and genocide, targeting entire infrastructures and populations."

Mustafa said states that have supported Israel in the past are now blocking humanitarian aid in Gaza through their veto power in the United Nations Security Council.

He affirmed the Palestinians' ongoing resistance and their belief in eventual victory, vowing never to forget or forgive throughout history.

Expressing gratitude, Mustafa acknowledged the support of Arab and Muslim countries, particularly Türkiye.

"We will never forget Türkiye's consistent political and humanitarian support. We hope to reunite in Jerusalem soon and offer our prayers together," he said.

ASYAM Director Varis Cakan noted Palestine's division post-World War II, leading to serious Palestinian reactions against Israel's perceived "unjust" division.

He highlighted Israel's occupation with illegal settlers, disregarding international law and causing a global uproar.

Cakan stressed Palestine's ongoing suffering, condemning Israel's relentless attacks, indicating the region's global strategic significance.

AHBV Vice Rector Metin Orbay echoed the concern for Palestinians, emphasizing the conflict's lasting impact and the failure of the UN and global powers to intervene effectively.

Tevfik Erdem, member of AHBV, highlighted Palestine's peaceful past, attributing the conflict to imperialism and Ottoman decline.

"If there is a Palestinian issue today, the West is the main source of this issue," he said, underscoring US support for Israel's actions despite humanitarian concerns.

Israel has waged a deadly military offensive on Gaza since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 which killed nearly 1,200 people.

More than 31,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed in the enclave and nearly 73,800 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

The Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid a crippling blockade of most food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

*Writing by Muhammed Yasin Gungor from Istanbul