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Turkey’s Erdogan proposes new ruling model for Jerusalem

May 18, 2021 at 1:38 pm

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, Turkey on 6 March 2021 [Mustafa Kamacı/Anadolu Agency]

Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan yesterday proposed the establishment of a commission with Jewish, Muslim, Christian representatives to govern Jerusalem, Anadolu Agency reports.

Erdogan also called on the UN, UN Security Council (UNSC), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other international bodies to unite against the oppression of civilians in Palestine.

Extremist Israel settlers continue incitement against Palestinians in Jerusalem - Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]

Extremist Israel settlers continue incitement against Palestinians in Jerusalem – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]

“At this point, we believe there’s a need for a separate arrangement in Jerusalem. To achieve lasting peace and tranquility in Jerusalem, which contains the indispensable religious symbols of Muslims, Jews, and Christians, everyone must make sacrifices,” Erdogan said.

“In today’s circumstances, it would be the most correct and consistent course of action for Jerusalem to be administered by a commission of representatives from the three faiths. Otherwise, it doesn’t appear it will be easily possible to achieve lasting peace in this ancient city,” he added.

Turkey, he continued, would lend its political and military support for international efforts to liberate Jerusalem and protect the Palestinian people.

On Sunday, Turkey also proposed the formation of an “international protection mechanism” for the people of occupied Palestine.

Thousands of Palestinians have been wounded by Israeli attacks on the occupied Palestinian territories over the past fortnight, with over 200 killed to date.

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