Özgür Özel announced in New York: I will go to Palestine.

CHP General Chairman Özgür Özel arrived in New York City, United States, yesterday to attend the Presidium meeting of the Socialist International. He was accompanied by a delegation consisting of CHP Secretary General Selin Sayek Böke, Youth Branch Chairman Gençosman Killik, Deputy Chairman responsible for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs İlhan Uzgel, and Istanbul MP Namık Tan. In his speech here, Özgür Özel announced that he would be visiting Palestine in the coming days.

Özel continued his statements as follows:

"OUR NEXT MEETING SHOULD BE HELD IN RAMALLAH"

The world has not responded adequately to the massacres in Palestine. However, there are very important developments that give us hope. We welcomed with great satisfaction the appointment of the Palestinian ambassador in Spain and the recognition of Palestine by Ireland and Belgium. I recently had a very productive phone conversation with the President of the State of Palestine, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas. I shared my feelings of solidarity with the Palestinian people. He invited me to Palestine. I will be visiting Palestine in the coming days. I have two concrete proposals for the Presidium on this matter: The Socialist International's Middle East Committee should actively engage in efforts to ensure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, allow the passage of humanitarian aid, and secure the release of hostages. I propose that we hold our next meeting in Ramallah to declare our seriousness and sincerity to the whole world. We must now set aside wishes and take concrete stances on this issue.

"OUR CALL TO THE USA IS TO FULFILL THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS AYŞENUR"

Israel's attacks on Palestine have been ongoing for almost a year. So far, more than 41,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza, and more than half of them are women and children. Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish and US citizen who went to Palestine to participate in protests, was killed by Israeli soldiers. The US administration has not even protected the rights of its own citizen in the face of Israel; it has failed to do so. Our call is for them to abandon this passive attitude, stop making excuses, and fulfill their responsibilities towards Ayşenur. Fulfilling their responsibilities towards Ayşenur is not only about fulfilling their responsibilities towards an American citizen but also about fulfilling their responsibilities towards humanity. The Socialist International should prioritize supporting activists like Ayşenur, who are on the left and socialist spectrum.