ISTANBUL: The alliance of Muslim-majority countries including Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and Nigeria on Saturday demanded full Palestinian membership of the United Nations and greater international pressure on Israel to halt brutalities against Palestinians in Gaza.
The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation called for an immediate ceasefire in the devastated Palestinian territory, where Israel has launched bombardments and ground offensive since October 7, 2023.
The Extraordinary Meeting of the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul called on the United States to lift its veto on full Palestinian UN membership and on all countries to “exert diplomatic, political, economic and legal pressure” on Israel.
They also urged the world to ensure Israel complies with the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decisions, withdraws from the southern Rafah governorate and guarantees the safe entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Denouncing an “ongoing genocide and grave violations of international law”, the group called on states to contribute to and join legal proceedings against Israel at international courts.
The eight countries also demanded an end to arms and ammunition deliveries to Israel and that all measures be taken to protect Palestinian civilians, rejecting any attempted forced displacement.
They advocated a two-state solution based on 1967 borders with east Jerusalem as a Palestinian capital and a guarantee mechanism to protect a future settlement.
Happening now!
The Extraordinary Meeting of the #D8 Council of Foreign Ministers on the Gaza Situation held at the historic Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul.#D8ForGaza#D8ForPalestine#AllEyesOnGaza#AllEyesOnRafah pic.twitter.com/ok46sRXR95
— Developing-8 (D-8) (@D8org) June 8, 2024
Speaking at the meeting of the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for a complete withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories.
Dar called for the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to return to Palestine and the establishment of an independent homeland with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister urged the international community to intervene and halt the escalating situation in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of implementing the International Court of Justice’s order to immediately cease Israel’s military offensive.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s consistent support for a just and comprehensive peace in the occupied Palestinian territories, based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
He stressed that lasting peace in the Middle East hinges on resolving all outstanding Arab-Israeli disputes, with the establishment of a sovereign, viable, and contiguous Palestinian state being a crucial prerequisite for regional stability.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Dar said that silence and inaction in the face of the Israeli atrocities committed against Palestinians are not acceptable.
He called for solidarity with the Palestinian people and urged for concerted international action to end Israeli aggression and provide humanitarian assistance to those in Gaza.
Dar concluded by underscoring the importance of the gathering of Foreign Ministers from eight significant Muslim countries, stressing the need for a unified stance in support of Palestine and a collective effort to address the ongoing crisis and alleviate the suffering of its people.
Since October 7 last year, Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza killing at least 36,801 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the territory’s health ministry.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar’s @MIshaqDar50 Remarks at the Extraordinary Meeting of the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers, in Istanbul, Türkiye
(8 June 2024) pic.twitter.com/KuzYJHIrDz— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 8, 2024
— Developing-8 (D-8) (@D8org) June 8, 2024
