Unity in action: Palestinian president to lead historic march to Gaza

Addressing Turkish parliament Abbas extended invitations to international figures, including the UN Secretary General, to join the march towards Gaza and show solidarity

Muslim Network TV News

ANKARA, (MNTV) – In a historic address to the Turkish Parliament, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced plans to lead a march to Gaza along with other Palestinian leaders.

Although he did not specify a date for this march, Abbas extended invitations to international figures, including the UN Secretary General, to join him and show solidarity.

His speech in the grand setting of the Grand National Assembly in Ankara resonated with attendees, marking a defining moment shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the U.S. Congress last month.

Abbas outlined strategies for the reconstruction and healing of Gaza, seeking support from Arab, Islamic, and global allies.

Abbas’s speech also touched on broader geopolitical dynamics, including criticism of the United States, which he labeled as a “plague” for its unwavering support of Israeli policies.

He lamented the U.S. decision to consistently veto resolutions related to Palestine and condemnations of Israel.

He accused the U.S. of complicity in perpetuating conflict and injustice in Palestinian territories, a sentiment that resonates widely in the region.

Official sources in Turkiye said that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had planned to invite assassinated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and Abbas to address the Turkish parliament jointly last month as a counter to Netanyahu’s address in Washington.

However, there was no response from Abbas’s office. After Haniyeh’s assassination, when Erdoğan raised this issue of non-response from the Palestinian Authority office, Abbas quickly decided to travel to Ankara after concluding his visit to Moscow.

Although the Turkish parliament had already adjourned for vacation on July 30, most members across the political spectrum returned to Ankara to attend the special session and express solidarity with the Palestinians by listening to Abbas’s speech.

Heartfelt plea to global community

During his address, Abbas made a heartfelt plea to the international community to witness firsthand the dire situation in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. He highlighted the severe impacts of what he described as an Israeli agenda to “eradicate the Palestinian presence from their homeland,” a strategy he vehemently denounced as destined to fail.

“Israel’s actions, which we categorize as genocidal, are aimed not just at displacement but at the erasure of our people’s history and rights,” Abbas stated, drawing attention to the decades of struggle faced by the Palestinians since 1948.

He painted a vivid picture of a community clinging to their land, sacred sites, and national identity despite overwhelming odds.

Abbas did not shy away from recounting the painful episodes that have marred the Palestinian territories, including recent atrocities such as the massacre at the Al-Tabi’in School in Gaza, which resulted in significant loss of life.

This incident, Abbas argued, is a stark reminder of the daily horrors faced under the occupation, made worse by the deafening silence of the international community.

“Our people have faced the crimes of the occupation and the absence of international justice,” Abbas declared, emphasizing the resolve of the Palestinian people to withstand these trials.

He lauded the efforts of countries like Egypt and Jordan in standing against displacement plans, highlighting a regional commitment to Palestinian sovereignty.

Central to Abbas’s discourse was the affirmation of Gaza’s integral role in the vision of a unified Palestinian state.

Dismissing any notions of a fragmented nation, he reiterated, “There will be no state in Gaza alone. Gaza, along with the West Bank and Jerusalem, forms the indivisible heart of our future state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

Further solidifying his stance on accountability, Abbas stressed the ongoing efforts to engage with international bodies such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

“Those responsible for war crimes will not escape justice,” he asserted, promising relentless pursuit of legal avenues to ensure accountability for the atrocities committed.

His speech also served as an appreciation of Türkiye’s role in supporting the Palestinian cause. He commended President Erdoğan and the Turkish government for their unwavering support and principled stance, crucial in voicing Palestinian grievances on the international stage.

Moreover, coinciding with the address, the Turkish parliament had organised exhibitions and displays that narrated the Palestinian history and struggle, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring fight for a homeland.

These exhibitions, coupled with the presence of international diplomats and solidarity expressed by various political factions within Türkiye, underscored the session’s significance in rallying support for the Palestinian cause.

Analysts believe that Abbas’s speech in the Turkish Parliament was not merely a diplomatic visit but a resolute call to action. The address had symbolic value not only to reiterate the gravity of the Palestinian plight but also to reinforce the necessity for a united international response to foster peace and justice in the region.