His plea extended beyond rhetoric, urging for both immediate action to alleviate suffering in Gaza and the advancement of critical legislation to hold perpetrators of genocide accountable.

Demir’s speech was centered on the "ongoing genocide" in Palestine, which he described as a "blatant genocide in front of the eyes of all humanity." He condemned the Zionist regime for its continued occupation of Palestinian territories for nearly a century and its aggressive expansion into Lebanon and Syria. These acts, Demir argued, are not isolated; they are part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region, pulling other countries, notably Iran, into a wider conflict.

He spoke passionately about the scale of the suffering, stating: “The Zionist regime has been carrying out the most horrific massacres of our century by bombing Gaza in the heaviest way for more than a year.” According to Demir, the Zionist regime’s actions represent not only war crimes but also a calculated genocide aimed at eliminating the Palestinian population.

Demir’s most urgent concern was the worsening humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza, where mass starvation is imminent. As Israeli forces continue to blockade essential supplies like food and medical aid, Demir warned that the already horrific situation could escalate further, leading to mass deaths due to hunger and thirst. “If the necessary steps are not taken, the people of Gaza, who have been killed by bombs until now, will start to die of hunger,” he said, highlighting the plight of civilians living in makeshift tents without access to basic resources.

Beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis, Demir called attention to a legislative matter that has been sidelined for months: the “Law Proposal on dual citizens involved in the crime of genocide.” This bill, proposed by HÜDA PAR on December 28, 2023, is currently ranked 158th on the legislative agenda and has yet to be discussed in the general assembly. Demir expressed frustration that other, less urgent bills have been prioritized ahead of this critical legislation.

The bill aims to ensure that dual citizens involved in crimes of genocide do not escape justice, a move that Demir sees as a moral and humanitarian imperative. “The crime of genocide, of which we see a vivid example in Gaza today, is actually committed against all humanity,” he argued, emphasizing that the bill’s significance extends far beyond Türkiye’s borders. It is a matter of holding those responsible for heinous acts accountable, no matter their nationality.

Demir’s insistence on moving the bill forward was driven by a deep sense of urgency. He pointed out that political considerations should not overshadow the need to take action against those responsible for genocide. “Dear MPs, let's discuss and enact this bill as soon as possible with the support of all party groups,” he urged, calling for a united front in addressing this pressing issue.

At the heart of Demir’s speech was a call for collective responsibility. He framed the situation in Gaza not only as a geopolitical issue but as a profound moral crisis. “Participation in the crime of genocide, which is essentially committed against all humanity, should not be left unpunished for whatever reason,” he said, urging his colleagues in the assembly to act swiftly. He called on the Turkish government to lead efforts in establishing a food supply corridor to Gaza, stressing that meeting the immediate needs of the starving population must be a priority.

His closing words were a plea for action, not just within Türkiye but for the global community. “Defenseless women who are exhausted by hunger, poor children who are burned alive and have no ointment to be applied to their wounds are no longer able to endure. Whatever we can do, I say let's do it as soon as possible,” he concluded.

Demir’s speech at the Turkish Grand National Assembly was a call to conscience, blending the immediate need for humanitarian intervention in Gaza with the long-term necessity of enacting laws that ensure accountability for genocide. His impassioned plea underscored the gravity of the situation in Palestine and the moral obligation of Türkiye, and indeed the world, to act decisively in the face of such overwhelming injustice. Through legislative and humanitarian measures, Demir urged that Türkiye must be at the forefront of both delivering aid and ensuring that those responsible for crimes against humanity are held accountable. (ILKHA)