CHP Chairman Özgür Özel has strongly criticized Turkey’s ongoing trade with Israel, accusing the government of failing to enforce its own restrictions on military exports. Speaking at his party’s group meeting, which coincided with the anniversary of the “Aksa Storm” operation, Özel condemned the government for continuing trade ties with Israel despite public statements to the contrary. He claimed that Turkish war materials were being used against Palestinians, stating, “The weapons we sent have rained down on Gaza.”
Highlights from Özel’s Speech:
- Femicides in Turkey: Özel pointed to the ongoing epidemic of violence against women in Turkey, citing the recent murders of İkbal Uzuner and Ayşenur Halil, and the death of baby Sıla in Tekirdağ. In the first nine months of 2024, 295 women have been killed. Özel argued that these femicides are a direct consequence of systemic issues, not random acts of violence. He also criticized the media for sensationalizing these tragedies by focusing on the personal lives of the victims and perpetrators.
- Withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention: Özel reiterated his party’s opposition to Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in 2021, calling it a vital symbol of state commitment to preventing violence against women. He emphasized that a single signature should not have the power to nullify such an important treaty and promised to restore the convention immediately if his party comes to power.
- Turkey’s Response to Israel: Özel condemned President Erdoğan for warning that Israel might attack Turkey but failing to take concrete action. He accused the president of creating a climate of fear to distract from domestic issues like inflation and unemployment. Özel called for a more transparent and serious discussion of Turkey’s national security, criticizing the government for handling the issue through secretive parliamentary sessions.
Palestine: “The Cause of the Turkish Left”
Reflecting on the conflict between Israel and Palestine, Özel reiterated the CHP’s condemnation of Hamas’ October 7th attacks on Israeli civilians last year, labeling them acts of terrorism. However, he also denounced Israel’s retaliatory actions as war crimes, accusing the Israeli government of committing mass atrocities. Özel emphasized that an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains a core cause for the Turkish left.
Ongoing Trade with Israel
Özel criticized Erdoğan for continuing trade relations with Israel, despite announcing a ban earlier this year. “Most of the materials we sent were war supplies, and they were transported on our ships, eventually raining down on Gaza,” he said. He also accused the government of allowing trade with Israel to proceed under the radar, saying, “Goods are leaving the ports, paperwork is being processed, and trade continues. Who’s being honest here—Erdoğan or us?”
Economic Crisis: “Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is Picking Your Pockets”
Özel took aim at Turkey’s worsening economic situation, criticizing Erdoğan for presiding over skyrocketing costs for basic services. He highlighted the sharp increase in internet costs—jumping from 442 lira in 2022 to 2,350 lira in 2024—as an example of how the government is failing its citizens. “Everyone paying these exorbitant bills is being robbed by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,” he declared, accusing the president of deflecting attention from the real economic crisis by focusing on foreign threats.
“Meet with Assad Immediately”
Özel urged the government to take advantage of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s recent general amnesty and start repatriating Syrian refugees. He criticized the recent decision to extend work permits for Syrian refugees from three months to three years, arguing that the Turkish workforce is already struggling with high unemployment. “It’s time to send them back, build factories there, and relieve ourselves of this burden,” he said, while maintaining that CHP is not anti-refugee but is opposed to the policies that created the crisis.
Imamoğlu Trial: A Political Ban
In closing, Özel condemned the ongoing political ban case against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, accusing the government of trying to strip away the people’s right to choose their leaders. “If you impose a political ban on İmamoğlu, you will be certifying that this country is no longer a democracy,” he warned, calling on the government to respect the rule of law.
