Özgür Özel sends letter on Gaza to Socialist International party leaders

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel has sent a letter to political party leaders who are members of the Socialist International.

In a statement issued by the CHP, it was noted that Chairman Özel sent a letter regarding the events in Gaza to the leaders of over 120 political parties that are members of the Socialist International.

In the letter sent to the chairmen of political parties belonging to the Socialist International, which includes 12 heads of government and 4 ministers, it was emphasized that "70 percent of the 14 thousand Palestinians who have lost their lives since October 7 are women and children, that health workers, journalists, and UN personnel have lost their lives, and that there are problems in accessing basic needs such as water, fuel, food, and electricity."

"I AM CALLING FOR A PERMANENT CEASEFIRE"

In his letter, Özel stated: "I believe that what is happening in Gaza is contrary to the principles and norms that social democratic and socialist parties have defended for over a century, which aim to protect human rights, the welfare of those in need, and the protection of the innocent. International law is being violated. I call on all member parties to remain committed to established principles and to take concrete measures to stop Israel's relentless attacks on civilians, and I am making an urgent call for the establishment of a permanent ceasefire."

"A GREAT RESPONSIBILITY FALLS UPON OUR POLITICAL KIN"

Evaluating the letter he sent to the Socialist International party leaders, Özel stated that a crime against humanity is being committed in Gaza.

Özel noted the following:

"A great responsibility falls upon our political kin around the world to prevent this crime against humanity and to stop these massacres. Social democrats and socialists must take more effective initiatives to stop the war. With the letter I sent to political parties from Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, I called on the leaders of parties belonging to the Socialist International to take action, including the recognition of an independent Palestinian State within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Civilian deaths and child deaths must be stopped, and the bombing of hospitals and refugee camps must end. We will do our part in this regard."