D-8 Council of Ministers on Saturday called for an “immediate, permanent and unconditional” ceasefire and an end to Israeli aggression against Palestinians. This joint declaration urged all nations to ensure Israel’s strict adherence to provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and reaffirmed unwavering support for Palestinian people’s struggle for their inalienable rights and full UN membership.
Hosting the conference by Turkiye at this critical juncture was a step in the right direction to express solidarity with the Palestinians, who are enduring grotesque Israeli atrocities on daily basis. The Turkish leadership, especially President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has consistently and unequivocally condemned Israeli atrocities against Palestinians. However, it is time to move beyond mere verbal statements. Despite these resolute calls for an immediate ceasefire, the reality on ground paints a starkly different picture. Israel continues its oppressive tactics in the occupied Palestinian territories, disregarding both the ICJ’s orders and the UN General Assembly’s resolution. These calls for an end to violence seem to be falling on deaf ears, as the aggression persists unabated. It is for the Muslim world and international community to move beyond mere verbal statements and take concrete actions to support the Palestinians. Diplomatic, economic and trade relations with Israel must be reconsidered. Cutting off these relations would send a strong message and exert significant pressure on Israel to cease its aggressive actions. The solidarity shown in declarations must be translated into tangible steps that can influence a practical change. Furthermore, the United States has a pivotal role to play. As a longstanding ally of Israel, the US must act as an honest mediator to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. A balanced and fair approach is essential to bring about a just and lasting peace in the region. The world must demonstrate, through their conduct and actions, that they have regard for human rights, especially for the oppressed.
