November 29th is observed as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People since 1978 based on the call by the United Nations General Assembly.

The attainment by Palestine of its deserved place as a sovereign and equal member among the international community is Turkey’s greatest desire. In this context, Turkey asks the resolution of Palestine-Israel conflict in accordance with the vision of peace with two States existing side-by-side in peace and security within recognized and secure borders, on the basis of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative. In this respect, Turkey supports political efforts towards the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestine State with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Turkey provides concrete support to the efforts of Palestine towards the international recognition of State of Palestine. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu attended in person to the vote held on November 29, 2012 at the UN General Assembly to grant Palestine non-member observer State status at the United Nations and gave a speech supporting Palestine. Eventually, Palestine, with the votes of 138 member states obtained the observer state status at UN General Assembly which represents the collective conscience of the peoples of the world. Palestine also acquired the right to be a party to international agreements.

Turkey also supports Palestine in the face of economic difficulties by developing projects which will improve the quality of life of Palestinian people. The amount of in-kind and technical assistance committed by Turkey exceeds 200 million Dollars.

Furthermore, Turkey has mobilized its resources to meet the urgent needs in the face of serious deterioration in the humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. In this context, in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and the relevant Palestinian authorities, a financial assistance 850,000 Dollars was transferred to the Palestinian Government by the Turkish International Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) to be used for fuel supply to the power generators of critical services such as the hospitals in the Gaza Strip and wastewater pumping stations. Moreover, upon a call for emergency food aid by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Turkey provides 10,000 tons of flour to the Gaza Strip. TİKA has also earmarked 700,000 Dollars for the provision of medicine and medical supplies urgently needed in the Gaza Strip and carries out preparations to this end.

Turkey is determined to continue to support the Palestinian cause and to stand in solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people.