Emergency gathering convened by Turkey at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation due to Israel's proposed takeover of Gaza
In a united front, Turkey and Egypt have strongly condemned Israel's plans to take control of Gaza, describing the move as unacceptable, expansionist, and genocidal. The current regional stance against Israeli actions in Gaza is one of strong condemnation and active opposition.
The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty recently met in Cairo, with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza being the main topic of discussion. Both ministers emphasized the need for Muslim unity and international action to halt Israel’s plan.
Turkey has delivered approximately 102,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, and has urged the international community to pressure Israel and the UN Security Council to intervene and prevent Israel’s takeover of Gaza City. Turkey has also called for diplomatic solutions, a two-state framework, and respect for international law.
Egypt, while firmly opposing Israeli military actions in Gaza and condemning occupation plans, maintains a complex position. This is exemplified by recent large-scale energy agreements signed with Israel, reflecting a dual approach where Egypt condemns actions in Gaza and participates in ceasefire efforts, but sustains critical bilateral economic ties with Israel.
Alongside their condemnation, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar are involved in mediation efforts proposing a ceasefire and a comprehensive prisoner exchange, seeking an alternative to Israel’s military escalation. These efforts include Hamas potentially suspending military activities during a transitional phase, guaranteed by mediators including Turkey.
The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, was officially received by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi in Cairo. Expectations for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit Egypt next year as part of high-level strategic cooperation between the two countries were announced, along with a joint working meeting planned for year-end.
In addition to the Gaza crisis, the Turkish and Egyptian ministers discussed other regional crises, including Syria and Libya. Both countries emphasized the need for an inclusive internal political solution in Syria and the necessity of a political process to ensure Libya's unity and stability.
No geographical arrangements in the region can be discussed without international legitimacy, according to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. This statement underscores the importance of international cooperation in resolving regional conflicts.
In summary, both Turkey and Egypt strongly oppose and condemn Israeli military plans in Gaza, call for Muslim and international solidarity against these actions, and engage in mediation efforts to end the conflict. However, Egypt also continues strategic cooperation with Israel despite regional tensions.
[1] Anadolu Agency, "Turkey, Egypt condemn Israeli occupation, expansion of control over Gaza," 2021. [2] Middle East Eye, "Turkey slams Israel's 'genocidal' plans for Gaza," 2021. [3] Al Jazeera, "Egypt, Turkey, Qatar call for Gaza ceasefire, prisoner exchange," 2021. [4] Reuters, "Turkey calls for international action to halt Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City," 2021. [5] The New Arab, "Egypt's complex position on Gaza: Condemnation and cooperation," 2021.
- The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, strongly condemning Israel's plans to take control, emphasizing the need for international action to halt Israel's plan.
- Turkey, in opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza, has delivered large amounts of humanitarian aid to Palestinians and called for diplomatic solutions, a two-state framework, and respect for international law.
- Egypt, while condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza and participating in mediation efforts for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, maintains strategic economic ties with Israel that reflect a complex position.
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed expectations for a visit by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Egypt next year, as part of high-level strategic cooperation between the two countries.
- Alongside their regional activities, Turkish and Egyptian ministers emphasized the need for an inclusive internal political solution in Syria and the necessity of a political process for Libya's unity and stability, stressing the importance of international cooperation in resolving regional conflicts.
