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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged Islamic nations to move beyond expressions of solidarity and take coordinated action to support Palestinians, speaking Monday at an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Saudi Arabia.
"What the Palestinian people need is our collective action," Fidan told foreign ministers gathered in Jeddah for the extraordinary OIC Council session, which he chaired.
The Turkish diplomat emphasized that while support for the Palestinian cause remains strong among OIC member states, verbal backing alone has proven insufficient given the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The high-level participation from Islamic nations at the emergency session demonstrated "a powerful testament to our unity," according to Fidan.
Fidan outlined three urgent priorities for the meeting: halting the current conflict, forging a united Islamic response, and mobilizing broader international community action. He stressed the need for "strong, coordinated pressure" to compel Israel toward accepting a permanent solution.
The minister pointed to the upcoming U.N. General Assembly as a critical moment, saying "the conscience of the Ummah, the OIC must grasp this moment to speak and act with one powerful voice."
The minister highlighted recent diplomatic momentum, noting that several countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, have announced intentions to recognize Palestinian statehood. "Step by step, the recognition of the State of Palestine is becoming an irreversible reality," Fidan said.
However, he warned that recognition alone would not be sufficient, emphasizing the need for sustained pressure and coordinated international action.
Fidan assured that Türkiye would continue its efforts across all diplomatic fronts to support the Palestinian cause. The emergency OIC meeting, held in response to ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, aims to coordinate member states' positions and responses to the crisis.
The organization, which represents 57 Muslim-majority nations, has historically positioned itself as a defender of Palestinian rights and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
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