Turkish FM vows accountability for Gaza massacre perpetrators

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that there is no doubt those who perpetrated the massacre in Gaza will eventually be held accountable.

Speaking at the opening of the Extraordinary Meeting of the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul on Saturday, Fidan said those who stand for peace in Palestine will prevail.

The meeting was hosted by Türkiye at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul to discuss the situation in Gaza.

The organisation brings together various countries from three continents, totalling 1.2 billion people and a combined gross domestic product of up to $5 trillion, Fidan said.

"Today, as D-8 countries, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye, we announce our strongest support for Palestine from Istanbul."

Highlighting that this organisation is based on six principles – peace, dialogue, cooperation, justice, equality, and democracy, Fidan said that these principles are all the more relevant as the world grapples with various challenges and uncertainties.

This meeting was organised to demonstrate further support and solidarity for Palestine, he added.

"More than ever, Gaza needs hope and support, but above all, it needs action. This war is not a war of Israel-Palestine anymore but a challenge to global democracy."

Fidan pointed out the international system is collapsing due to its "hypocrisy" and the "blindness" of some countries.

'Erosion of norms and values'

The developments in Gaza before their eyes for the past eight months indicate the erosion of norms and values since last October, the Turkish foreign minister said.

"Continuation of Israeli carnage is triggering further societal escalation and public anger.

"Given that the international system fails to deliver a solution, it is up to us, as the Muslim world, to own the problem and take the lead for a lasting solution," he said.

Türkiye believes in resolving regional problems with regional solutions, Fidan said.

Fidan emphasised that since the early days of the war, the OIC has taken resolute steps and for the first time, the Muslim world has shown such a resolved stance in its own regional problems.

"There are countries changing their policies and countries accepting the just cause of Palestine."

"In addition to the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), efforts of Muslim world continue under different forums such as the Arab League, Organisation of Turkic States and the Gulf Cooperation Council."

'Disgrace to humanity'

Stating that Israel has committed all crimes under international law one after the other, Fidan said: "What is happening in Gaza is a disgrace to humanity."

"Standing with Gaza against such tyranny and oppression is a duty we should all fulfil in the name of humanity."

He added It is a fight to maintain dignity and against occupation, annexation and illegal settlements.

"As D-8 countries, we stand with and behind the Palestinian cause. Our meeting today is a reaffirmation of our commitment."

Fidan said Türkiye has been steadfastly committed to a two-state solution.

"The establishment of a sovereign, independent and contiguous state of Palestine on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital is a precondition," he said.

He noted that with Spain, Norway, Ireland, and most recently Slovenia recognising Palestine as a state, hundreds of countries have stood against "historical injustice."

"At one point, Palestine will be a full member of the UN. We steadily call on others to recognise the State of Palestine."

"It is high time that the UN Security Council should heed this call and not be kept hostage to one country."

'No other option but establishment of independent Palestinian state'

Palestine deserves all kinds of political, economic and legal support, Fidan stressed.

"Our efforts are therefore currently focused on sustained, unimpeded and continuous humanitarian access to Gaza and an immediate and lasting ceasefire," he said.

He added that Israel has always "manipulated" and "rejected" these ceasefire efforts.

"There is no other choice but an independent and sovereign Palestine State. This is a must for the safety and security of Israeli people as well as regional and international stability."

"For that, it is time to think outside the box and away from the box of tried and tested approaches."

He added Türkiye is prepared to exert every effort toward this goal and endorse these viable options.