Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s Visit to the Turkish Grand National Assembly
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had previously spoken at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) General Assembly as the President of Palestine and the President of the Palestinian National Authority. With this visit, Abbas will address the deputies at the General Assembly for the third time and a “Type A protocol” will be applied at the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
Extraordinary Security Measures
Abbas had previously addressed the deputies at the Turkish Grand National Assembly General Assembly on 10 December 2012 and 17 November 2007. The Turkish Grand National Assembly General Assembly last hosted Tunisian President Mohamed Munsif Marzouki on 29 May 2013. Abbas’s visit is of great importance as it will be the highest-level contact to be held at the Assembly in 11 years. In this context, extraordinary security measures will be taken for Abbas at the Assembly. Security measures include placing snipers at observation points, tightening searches at the entrance gates and closing the Assembly to visitors for the day.
Invitation to Gazans
All Gazans in Turkey have been invited to the session on August 15, when Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will address the deputies at the Turkish Grand National Assembly General Assembly. It was learned that the Presidency of the Assembly sent invitations to the Gazans. According to information obtained from sources, text messages were sent to all members of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Group to be present in the capital on August 15 in order to support the resistance in Gaza. It is also expected that the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), İYİ Party, Felicity Party (SP), DEVA, New Welfare Party, HUDA-PAR, Democrat Party (DP) and Democratic Left Party (DSP) ) deputies will also attend the General Assembly in full. It is anticipated that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and all cabinet members will listen to Abbas’ speech from the box.
Declaration of National Mourning for Haniyeh
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that tomorrow will be a day of national mourning due to the martyrdom of Hamas Political Bureau Chairman Ismail Haniyeh. In a post he shared on his social media account, Erdoğan said, “In order to show our support for the Palestinian Cause and our solidarity with our Palestinian brothers, tomorrow (Friday, August 2) will be a day of national mourning due to the Martyrdom of Hamas Political Bureau Chairman Ismail Haniyeh. I respectfully commemorate Ismail Haniyeh and all Palestinian martyrs, and on behalf of myself and my nation, I offer my condolences to the Palestinian people.” President Erdoğan’s post also included the decision regarding the national mourning declaration, which he signed.
Funeral Prayer in Absence After Friday
On the other hand, the President of Religious Affairs, Ali Erbaş, announced that a prayer will be given in all mosques today for Ismail Haniyeh and a funeral prayer in absentia will be performed after Friday prayers. This aims to increase sensitivity in society towards the Palestinian cause.
