New york: Trkiye's Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz emphasized that Israel's long-standing occupation is the principal barrier to the establishment of a Palestinian state during a high-level conference at the UN headquarters.

According to Anadolu Agency, Yilmaz stated that the persistent occupation is the primary obstacle to Palestinian statehood. He commended France for its decision to recognize Palestinian statehood and expressed hope that other nations would follow suit. Feedback from working group submissions highlighted a strong desire to alleviate the prolonged suffering of the Palestinian people.

Yilmaz pointed out proposals from the working group that suggested programs to strengthen the Palestinian Authority and empower the state of Palestine. The discussions predominantly focused on addressing the urgent need to end the Israeli occupation. He also cautioned about potential annexation plans by Israel, which were under consideration by the Israeli parliament as of July 23.

Yilmaz mentioned that some proposals from participating delegations included establishing mechanisms to enforce international and humanitarian law. Beyond the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he highlighted the urgent need for action against illegal settlements, land confiscations, and house demolitions by Israel in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

He noted that measures, such as sanctions, should be considered against settlers in the occupied Palestinian territory, and that Israel might also be subjected to coercive measures as an enabler of illegal settlements. Yilmaz stressed the importance of preventing Israel's actions to displace and expel Palestinian people, emphasizing the necessity of a Palestinian nation for the existence of a Palestinian state.

The working group identified eight key priorities: implementing the two-state solution, recognizing and granting full UN membership to Palestine, humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, institutional development, halting settlements and forced displacement, accountability and rule of law, civil society engagement, and security guarantees.

Yilmaz concluded that the submissions delivered a clear message: the international community must act urgently and decisively to preserve the two-state vision, uphold legal and humanitarian principles, and transition from mere expressions of concern to activating accountability mechanisms.