Turkish and Saudi Foreign Ministers Discuss Gaza Crisis, OIC Meeting Preparations
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on Wednesday to discuss the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.
The two ministers exchanged views on ongoing efforts to achieve a cease-fire in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory, where hostilities have intensified since the Israeli army resumed its offensive on March 18. The renewed military campaign has resulted in the deaths of at least 4,821 people and injuries to over 15,535 others, effectively shattering a previous ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement established in January.
In addition to the immediate humanitarian crisis, Fidan and Prince Faisal reviewed joint preparations for upcoming high-level meetings concerning the Palestinian issue, notably the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on June 21–22. The session is expected to focus on coordinated Islamic responses to the ongoing violence and the wider implications for regional stability.
The ministers reaffirmed the importance of strengthening international diplomatic efforts to halt the violence, facilitate humanitarian access, and push for a sustainable and just resolution to the conflict.
The call comes amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have both reiterated their support for Palestinian rights and called for an immediate end to hostilities, while advocating for greater unity among Islamic nations in addressing the crisis.
