The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has convinced some of Israel’s long-time allies to recognize a Palestinian state
By Hamza Kyeyune, |Update : 12.09.2025
KAMPALA, Uganda
Turkish ambassador to Uganda Fatih Ak has said that more countries recognizing the state of Palestine ahead of a UN General Assembly in New York, is a critical step in finding lasting peace.
Speaking to Anadolu in Kampala, he said that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, adding that urgent international intervention is overdue.
“Türkiye remains firmly committed to the two-State solution which is the only viable path toward a lasting peace. To that end, we believe it is high time for the realization of a sovereign, independent and contiguous Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Fatih Ak said.
“During this period when the Israeli government increases its efforts to undermine the state of Palestine, steps to support Palestine are even more important, he added.
The spiraling humanitarian crisis in Gaza has convinced some of Israel’s long-time allies to recognize a Palestinian state.
United Kingdom, France and Canada are among the 10 nations planning to give a Palestinian state recognition at the assembly. Australia, Belgium and Portugal are among other countries in a major diplomatic win for the cause of an independent, sovereign state of Palestine.
Recognition by UK and France which are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) although symbolic, it is an important milestone for the Palestinian cause. 147 of the 193 members of United Nations already recognize the State of Palestine.
The ambassador also said that Israel needs to make peace with its neighbors. “Israeli aggression and expansionism have spilled over into Lebanon, Syria, Yemen Iran and lately into Qatar, and have become the foremost threat to regional security and stability in the Middle East. We strongly denounce Israel’s attack targeting the Hamas negotiating delegation in Doha, the capital of Qatar, and stand in solidarity with Qatar in the face of this heinous attack targeting its sovereignty and security,” he said.
He urged more countries to step up “a range of diplomatic, legal, and economic measures against Israel”.
“We are the only country that has completely halted trade with Israel, which was worth 9 billion dollars. We initiated an effort at the UN, with a letter signed by 52 countries and two international organizations, to halt transfer of arms and ammunition to Israel. We do not permit transit and transportation of weapons and ammunition to Israel through our borders,” Fatih Ak said.
Türkiye became the first country last year, to halt all trade with Israel until a permanent ceasefire is reached.
The European Union (EU) executive recently called for suspension of free trade with Israel and sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, accounting for 32% of Israel’s worldwide trade in goods. The plans were presented as Israeli forces pressed ahead with their offensive in Gaza City, deepening a conflict that has killed nearly 65,000 Palestinians
