Meeting of Foreign Ministers on Gaza Held in Istanbul
The meeting of the foreign ministers of Islamic countries focusing on developments in Gaza was held yesterday in Istanbul, hosted by Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. The foreign ministers of Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, as well as representatives from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, attended the meeting.
Before the start of the meeting, the Turkish Foreign Minister took a commemorative photo with his counterparts from Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the representatives of the UAE and Qatar.
After the conclusion of the meeting, Hakan Fidan emphasized to reporters that the process initiated at the New York meeting, attended by world leaders including the President of the United States, had been a turning point in peace efforts. He added: “The hope for peace that was strengthened at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit received broad international support. Within the framework of the agreement reached, the exchange of hostages and prisoners began, humanitarian aid started to flow, and Israeli forces withdrew to the initial designated lines.”
Fidan, referring to Israel’s repeated violations of the ceasefire and its obstruction of the full entry of humanitarian aid, said: “According to the agreement, 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid and 50 fuel tankers must enter Gaza daily, but this amount has not been realized.”
He stressed that Turkey is ready to assume its responsibilities in this process and added: “The countries present at today’s meeting share a common position; we want to prevent the resumption of genocide in Gaza, and we support the continuation of the ceasefire and the concrete steps taken toward achieving a sustainable peace.”
The Turkish Foreign Minister stated that, in addition to humanitarian issues, the Istanbul meeting also discussed the administration of Gaza, security arrangements, and the establishment of an international stabilization force. He said: “Hamas has declared its readiness to transfer the administration of Gaza to a committee composed of Palestinians. Discussions on the mandate and composition of the international stabilization force were also on the agenda.”
Fidan, emphasizing the need for urgent action especially with the approach of winter, noted: “The reconstruction of Gaza and the revival of hope among the Palestinian people must be prioritized. We attach great importance to international coordination in this regard.”
The Turkish Foreign Minister, pointing to the necessity of legitimizing any international force through a United Nations Security Council resolution, said: “Turkey is ready to assume the necessary responsibilities, provided that the framework of the mission is consistent with our principles and policies.”
He further stressed: “No one wants the emergence of a new trusteeship system in Gaza. Palestinians must govern Palestinians, and Palestinians must guarantee their own security. The international community must also provide the necessary diplomatic, institutional, and economic support.”
The participants in the Istanbul meeting, in a joint statement, emphasized the need to draft a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Gaza based on the initiative of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The statement also underlined the importance of maintaining stability in the West Bank and the holy sites in Jerusalem, and expressed support for the reform efforts of the Palestinian Authority.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Hakan Fidan held talks with Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a social media post that the meeting was held within the framework of bilateral consultations and regional coordination.
