Statement of the Turkish Publishers Association on the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

As publishers, dedicated to the craft of writing and dissemination, it is incumbent upon us not to remain indifferent in the face of the ongoing humanitarian tragedy.

Our position is unequivocal in opposing both the modern blockade and all forms of terrorism that deprive individuals of their right to life.

We recognize the profound and enduring ramifications of war, which we have borne witness to firsthand in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and which have been chronicled in the numerous books we have published.

It is abundantly clear that wars have no winners.

We are profoundly grieved by the war and the loss of civilian lives in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Foremost and urgently, we call for the safeguarding of civilian lives, followed by the initiation of peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel, grounded in international legal principles. We earnestly advocate for the swift realization of a just and enduring peace for all nations involved.

We implore the global publishing community, as well as organizers of fairs, festivals, and all other cultural institutions, to approach this issue with the utmost sensitivity and to undertake comprehensive assessments.

To our fellow colleagues and the book world in the region, we extend our sincere wishes that they do not lose hope, and we wish to convey our unwavering support.

Sincerely,

Turkish Publishers Association