ANKARA, August 30 — Turkey’s parliament has unanimously adopted a resolution urging the suspension of Israel’s membership in the United Nations and other international organizations, as well as an end to all military and trade ties with the country.
The resolution, signed by Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, was passed at an extraordinary session convened to address the deepening crisis in Gaza.
“We call for the suspension of Israel’s membership in the UN and international organizations until its government abandons its policy of genocide.
We also call on all national parliaments to halt military and trade relations with Israel and to take immediate steps toward lifting the embargo on Palestine,” the document states.Stay Ahead with Azerbaijan.usGet exclusive translations, top stories, and analysis — straight to your inbox.
The resolution directly accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza, reflecting Ankara’s increasingly uncompromising stance.
Why Turkey Took This Step
The move comes against the backdrop of escalating violence in Gaza, where ongoing Israeli military operations have caused widespread destruction and mounting civilian casualties. Turkish officials argue that the humanitarian crisis — compounded by restrictions on aid and mass displacement — requires stronger international action.
For Ankara, the resolution serves several purposes: it signals solidarity with the Palestinian people, intensifies diplomatic pressure on Israel, and underscores Turkey’s ambition to position itself as a leading voice on the Palestinian issue in the Muslim world.
Erdogan’s Foreign Policy Context
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has long leveraged the Palestinian cause as a central theme of his foreign policy, balancing Turkey’s NATO membership and Western alliances with outreach to the Islamic world. The latest resolution reinforces Ankara’s narrative that Israel is acting outside the bounds of international law and that global institutions have failed to hold it accountable.
By calling for suspension of Israel’s UN membership — a step rarely proposed at such a high level — Turkey is escalating its rhetoric and attempting to galvanize other Muslim-majority states to take parallel measures.
Regional Implications
The resolution also reflects shifting dynamics in the Middle East. While several Arab governments have normalized relations with Israel in recent years under the Abraham Accords, Turkey is moving in the opposite direction, amplifying its criticism and contrasting itself as a defender of Palestinian rights.
Analysts suggest Ankara is seeking both moral leadership in the Muslim world and greater influence in international forums. By portraying Israel’s actions in Gaza as crimes against humanity, Turkey hopes to rally support for stronger sanctions and political isolation.
What Comes Next
Although the resolution is not binding internationally, its symbolic weight is significant. It adds to growing calls from humanitarian organizations and some governments for Israel to face international accountability.
Turkish lawmakers have also pressed for lifting the blockade on Gaza and guaranteeing humanitarian access, framing these demands as essential conditions for peace.
Whether Ankara’s push gains traction at the UN remains uncertain, but the move underscores Turkey’s determination to challenge Israel on the global stage and deepen its role as an outspoken advocate for Palestine.
