ISTANBUL, Turkiye: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers convened in Istanbul on Saturday, where member states unanimously condemned Israeli “aggression” in Gaza and Iran. The forum also called for an immediate ceasefire and stressed diplomatic efforts to resolve the escalating conflict.
In his opening address, OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha strongly denounced Israeli military operations, stating, “Since June 13, the Middle East has been plunged into a new wave of conflict. We urge an end to hostilities between Iran and Israel and call for dialogue as the path to resolution.”
The OIC chief also emphasised the need for the implementation of OIC resolutions regarding Israel.
Representatives from over 40 member states are attending the session, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
During the session, Turkiye formally assumed the OIC chairmanship for the next three years.
The OIC Foreign Ministers conference is reviewing the current situation in Iran. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will present Pakistan’s stance on the Iran issue.
‘Netanyahu biggest obstacle to peace’
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his speech at the conference, issued a strong rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that “Netanyahu is trying to lead the entire region toward destruction like Hitler once did.”
He stressed that Muslim unity is the need of the hour, urging nations to set aside internal disputes and come together.
Erdogan added that Israel continues to attack Palestinians in Gaza, creating persistent instability in the region. He blamed Netanyahu’s government as the biggest obstacle to peace in the Middle East.
He further condemned Israel’s recent strike on Iran, following previous military actions in Yemen, Libya, and Syria, and declared that the people of Turkiye stand in solidarity with their Iranian brothers and sisters.
“This is the time to unite as Muslims,” Erdogan stressed.
He said, “We must prevent further devastation in the region. The international community must intervene to stop Israeli aggression. The growing tension between Israel and Iran must be de-escalated before it leads to catastrophic consequences,”.
‘Israel must be stopped’
In his address, the Foreign Minister of Turkiye Hakan Fidan stated that Islam unites all of us, and Muslims make up one-third of the global population.
He emphasised that divided Muslims cannot succeed and that Muslims around the world are currently facing hardships.
Fidan condemned the massacre of people in Gaza and noted that Israel is now launching attacks on Iran.
Condemning Israeli aggression, the Turkish Foreign Minister said that Israel’s hostile actions are creating instability in the region.
“This is no longer just about Gaza or Iran, this is about stopping Israel,” he said, adding, “We must show solidarity with both Gaza and Iran.”
He stressed the need for a two-state solution for Palestine and said Turkiye stands firmly against global injustice. He reiterated that Turkiye fully supports all member states within the OIC.
The minister also welcomed the ceasefire between Pakistan and India and stated that resolving the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is essential for establishing lasting peace in South Asia.
‘US is complicit in Israeli aggression’
Speaking to the media before the session began, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said that Iran has the right to defend itself against aggression. He added that Israel attacked Iran just two days before scheduled peace talks on June 15.
Araghchi said the Israeli strike shows their opposition to diplomacy and accused the US of being directly involved in Israel’s aggression against Iran. He warned that America’s direct participation in such hostilities poses a danger to all.
