Gaza Diplomacy by CHP Chairperson Özgür Özel... Letters Sent to Over 120 Political Party Leaders

- "I MAKE AN URGENT APPEAL FOR A PERMANENT CEASEFIRE"

Özgür Özel, Chairperson of the Republican People's Party, sent a letter to the leaders of political parties that are members of the Socialist International, calling for concrete steps to be taken regarding the human tragedy in Gaza and to take the initiative for the establishment of a permanent ceasefire.

In a letter sent to more than 120 political party leaders of the Socialist International, Özel called for concrete steps to be taken regarding the human tragedy in Gaza. In the letter sent to the heads of political parties, including 12 heads of government and 4 ministers, it was stated that "70 per cent of the 14 thousand Palestinians who have lost their lives since 7 October are women and children, paramedics, journalists and UN workers have lost their lives, and there are problems in accessing basic needs such as water, fuel, food and electricity. "I believe that what is happening in Gaza is against the very principles and norms that social democrat and socialist parties have stood for over a century which aimed at fostering human rights, well-being of those in need and protection of the innocent," said Özel. "International law is being violated. I call on all member parties to adhere to established principles and take concrete measures to stop Israel's incessant attacks on civilians, and I make an urgent appeal for the establishment of a permanent ceasefire."

- "OUR POLITICAL RELATIVES AROUND THE WORLD HAVE A GREAT DUTY"

Commenting on the letter he sent to the leaders of political parties of the Socialist International, Özel said, "A crime against humanity is being committed in Gaza. Our political relatives around the world have a great duty to prevent this crime against humanity and to prevent these bloodsheds. Social democrats and socialists should take more active initiative to stop the war. In a letter to political parties from Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, I called on the leaders of the Socialist International to take action, including the recognition of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The civilian deaths, the deaths of children, the bombing of hospitals and refugee camps must stop. We will do our part in this regard."