ISTANBUL – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasised the urgent need for an "unconditional cease-fire" in Gaza to prevent further loss of civilian life due to ongoing Israeli bombardment and blockade.
Fidan, in his address during an emergency session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah Wednesday as reported by Anadolu Agency, said “what unfolds in Gaza is a gross violation of any form of international law and any virtues that makes us human beings."
He emphasised that Israel's actions dehumanise Palestinian people and normalise their suffering.
He condemned the Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, which resulted in the tragic loss of at least 471 lives, according to Palestinian officials.
Fidan stressed the importance of preventing the conflict from spreading and called for immediate humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
He also advocated for new approaches and narratives to resolve the conflict, and highlighted that while the two-state solution is widely acknowledged as the fairest and most enduring resolution to the Palestinian question, it must be put into action.
Fidan emphasised that Israel must prioritise peace with Palestinians for broader regional plans to achieve security.
Furthermore, the Turkish foreign minister urged Muslim countries to challenge the imposed "hegemonic narrative" and take confident steps to safeguard Palestinian well-being. He proposed a new guarantee mechanism for peace in the region, with Muslim countries acting as guarantors of lasting peace centered around Palestine.
Fidan concluded by expressing Turkey's belief in its capacity to facilitate a historic and enduring peace amidst the current crisis. He called on OIC member states to employ all available diplomatic, legal, and coercive measures to halt Israel's actions, which he characterised as "crimes against humanity."
Gaza currently faces a humanitarian crisis, with shortages of electricity, water, food, fuel, and medical supplies. – Bernama-Anadolu, October 19, 2023
