Turkish Foreign Minister Urges GCC to Pressure Israel

Doha, The Gulf Observer: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called upon all member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to exert maximum pressure on Israel and its allies. Speaking at the 6th Türkiye-GCC High-Level Strategic Dialogue meeting in Doha on Sunday, Fidan highlighted the severe conditions faced by Palestinian prisoners and criticized the lack of response from Western nations.

“The inhumane conditions and treatment faced by Palestinian prisoners cannot be ignored,” Fidan asserted. “Let us close ranks to defend international law, human rights, and universal values that some of our Western friends have forgotten.”

Emphasizing the importance of solidarity among GCC members, Fidan advocated for closer cooperation to establish peace and security in the region, beginning with a just resolution for the Palestinians. He condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as “barbaric” and criticized the silence of some countries.

“We are ready to contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza, but those who destroyed Gaza and aided in its destruction must also compensate for these damages,” Fidan stated. He framed the Palestinian resistance as a global struggle between oppressors and the oppressed.

Fidan called for the recognition of the State of Palestine by more countries and its full membership in the United Nations, describing it as a necessity for international law, justice, and conscience. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to establishing an independent, sovereign, and geographically contiguous State of Palestine.

Expressing optimism about the outcomes of the meeting, Fidan noted the importance Türkiye places on its relations with Gulf countries. He highlighted the significant progress in bilateral relations, including a 40 percent increase in trade volume in 2023, reaching $31.4 billion, and a 16-fold increase over the past 20 years. Additionally, more than 1.5 million Gulf citizens visited Türkiye in 2023, making it a key tourism destination.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified since the October 7 attack by Hamas, leading to severe casualties and widespread destruction. Over 37,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, and nearly 84,500 others injured. Gaza remains devastated under a blockade that restricts essential supplies, and Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered an immediate halt to its operations in Rafah.

Fidan’s remarks underscore the urgent need for a unified response from the GCC to address the humanitarian crisis and advocate for Palestinian rights on the international stage.