Erdogan calls for stronger Muslim stance against Gaza crisis

English , Middle East - مشرق وسطٰی , Snippets , / Monday, November 11th, 2024

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Anadolu Ajansi

Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the limited response from Muslim nations regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, contrasting it with the extensive support given to Israel by several Western nations.

Speaking at a special joint summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League in Riyadh, Erdogan emphasized that while Western countries have offered military, political, economic, and moral backing to Israel, many Muslim nations have failed to provide sufficient support to Palestinians. He warned that Israel’s actions aim to annex Palestinian territories in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, potentially eradicating the Palestinian presence.

Erdogan highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel’s actions have reportedly claimed the lives of around 50,000 Palestinians, 70% of whom are women and children. Urging an immediate flow of humanitarian aid, he noted that Turkey has already delivered over 84,000 tons of assistance to Gaza and is prepared to send more when restrictions are lifted.

The Turkish president also proposed that Muslim nations take decisive measures against Israel, such as imposing an arms embargo, halting trade, and seeking broader international isolation of the Israeli government. He noted that Turkey has implemented trade restrictions on Israel and encouraged more countries to join South Africa’s legal challenge against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Erdogan reaffirmed his stance that a two-state solution is unrealistic under the current Israeli administration and called on the international community to recognize Palestine’s statehood. The Riyadh summit aimed to address Israel’s continued offensive in Gaza and Lebanon amid international calls for a cease-fire.