Turkey rallies a unified Islamic response on Gaza at an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan of Turkey has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and reconstruction efforts, as he chaired an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Saudi Arabia on Monday. The gathering was called to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of 289 Palestinians, including 115 children, due to Israeli military operations.
In his speech, Fidan emphasized the need for "strong, coordinated pressure" to compel Israel towards accepting a permanent solution. He highlighted that while support for the Palestinian cause remains strong among OIC member states, verbal backing alone has proven insufficient. Recognition alone, he stressed, would not be sufficient; sustained pressure and coordinated international action are essential.
The OIC, historically a defender of Palestinian rights and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, reiterated its commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause across all diplomatic fronts. Fidan urged Islamic nations to move beyond expressions of solidarity and take coordinated action to support Palestinians.
Israeli army chief is reportedly pressuring Netanyahu to approve a Gaza prisoner exchange deal. However, Fidan called for a more comprehensive approach, focusing not just on negotiations, but also on halting the current conflict and forging a united Islamic response.
Looking ahead, Fidan pointed to the upcoming U.N. General Assembly as a critical moment. He urged the "conscience of the Ummah, the OIC" to grasp this moment to speak and act with one powerful voice. The minister's call for action echoes the intentions of several countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, who have announced their intentions to recognize Palestinian statehood.
Interestingly, at a previous emergency meeting of the OIC in 2025, several Islamic nations' foreign ministers announced their intention to recognize Palestinian statehood; however, the specific countries that made this announcement are not detailed in the available search results.
As the crisis in Gaza continues, the international community, led by the OIC, is expected to intensify its efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution and support the rebuilding of Gaza.
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