Ağabekyan made evaluations to the AA correspondent within the scope of the 9th Istanbul Mediation Conference.
Thanking Türkiye for hosting the 9th Istanbul Mediation Conference at a time when it is very necessary for decision-makers and politicians to discuss conflicts, mediation and diplomacy in the world, Ağabekyan emphasized that mediation and diplomacy are the most important weapons in resolving conflicts.
Ağabekyan stated that Gaza is still in a terrible situation and pointed out that deaths and injuries continue despite the ceasefire and that not enough humanitarian aid has reached the interior.
Stating that international law should be respected and it should be emphasized that the countries supporting the Gaza Peace Plan have obligations, Ağabekyan said, "Measures that bring responsibilities on the field must now be taken to ensure that the party that violates the terms of the agreement is held accountable. Otherwise, the situation will continue as it is." he said.
Ağabekyan pointed out that a year has passed since the signing of the agreement and evaluated that there will not be much progress in the second year unless serious accountability and monitoring measures are implemented decisively in the field.
Stating that if things continue as they are, the Palestinian people will suffer more this year, Ağabekyan said, "Because the picture we saw in the first year is this: Israel has occupied 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, and people are stuck in a 30 percent part of the strip, which is far from being livable." he said.
Aghabekyan underlined that the genocide continues and noted that, first of all, there is a need for aid efforts to be carried out in full scope and for humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip without any obstacles.
Aghabekyan said that Israel has been an occupying state for years and has violated the rights of Palestinians, and pointed out that he believes that Israel can get away with its crimes in Gaza.
"If this happens, then you can imagine what could happen if the situation in question moves to the West Bank," Aghabekyan said. he said.
General elections in Israel
Reminding that the general elections in Israel are approaching, Aghabekyan said, "We all know that our blood turns into a 'winning ticket' during the Israeli elections. Whoever inflicts more pain on the Palestinians wins the Israeli elections. Therefore, we hope that the situation does not escalate seriously in the next few days." he said.
Answering the question about the steps taken by the international community regarding the usurpation of Palestinian lands by the Israelis, Aghabekyan stated that the measures were taken, albeit late.
"We want to see concrete steps taken on the ground that show or send a very strong message to the Israeli government, especially to the settlers and the settlements today, that there is a price for what they are doing." Aghabekyan said, emphasizing that the seized lands were illegal and that their contents were in the illegally occupied area.
Aghabekyan underlined that any steps that will help stop the usurpation of Palestinian lands and the financing provided for this and implement sanctions against the Israelis who usurped the lands are important.
Emphasis on international law and rules
Ağabekyan said that the New York Declaration, supported by 143 countries, clearly reveals how the Palestinians can progress towards statehood, and stated that what needs to be done on many other issues, from economy to education, from the war in Gaza to curriculum, is defined in the declaration.
Ağabekyan emphasized that progress can be made on the path to peace if united around the New York Declaration, and stated that in this process, there is a need for the parties who believe in the two-state solution and want to comply with international law to take concrete steps on the field.
Stating that mediation and diplomacy should never be abandoned and that issues can be resolved this way, Ağabekyan said, "It is easy to start a war. But ultimately, what brings peace and security is sitting around the table and making international law functional again." he said.
