Türkiye hits out at Israel over West Bank settler violence

2026-03-22 - 07:39

Türkiye has issued a sharp condemnation of the escalating violence carried out by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, calling for an immediate end to what it described as acts of terrorism against Palestinian civilians. The Turkish Foreign Ministry underscored on Saturday that the international community must act to prevent further destabilization in the region. Ankara’s strong rebuke came in a formal statement highlighting that illegal settlement activities and settler violence have intensified in recent times. The ministry also pointed to the pressure exerted by Israeli security forces on Palestinians, stating that such practices are systematically undermining the fundamental rights of the local population, including the right to life. Türkiye reiterated its firm position that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace. Officials in Ankara warned that Israel’s ongoing annexation policies are deliberately eroding any remaining chances for such a resolution. According to the Foreign Ministry, halting these practices is not only a necessity for regional stability but also a fundamental requirement under international law. The international community widely considers the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as occupied Palestinian territory. Israeli settlements in the region are viewed as illegal under international law, a stance repeatedly affirmed by the United Nations and numerous states. Türkiye’s latest statement reinforces its longstanding position in support of Palestinian rights and calls for accountability regarding violations in the occupied territories.