Addressing the OIC - Arab League Extraordinary Summit, President Erdoğan said: “We recently see some arrogant sham politicians in Israel frequently repeating the ‘Greater Israel’ delusions. Israel’s efforts to expand its occupations in neighboring countries are each a concrete manifestation of this goal. The Islamic world possesses the fortitude and the means to frustrate Israel's expansionist ambitions.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech at the Extraordinary Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League in Doha, Qatar.
“We as Türkiye always stand by Qatar”
President Erdoğan said: “We have convened OIC-Arab League extraordinary summits because of Israel’s genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023. During these summits, we announced to the world that Israel’s intensifying attacks pose a threat to our region that must be brought to an end. We have repeatedly stated that this crooked mentality, which feeds on terror, endangers international stability and security. After attacking Palestine, Israel attacked Lebanon, Yemen, Iran and Syria. It targeted civilian vessels off Tunisia. It assassinated elected politicians and statesmen. Lastly, it attacked Qatar, a mediator. The latest attack has taken Israel’s banditry to a different level. In this sense, I find it very meaningful and important that we are holding today’s summit in Doha. I underline that the international community should regard this meeting of ours as a manifestation of the Islamic world's unconditional support for Qatar. I hope that these wholehearted sentiments of ours will be once again announced in writing to the world by the decisions we are to take here today. I am pleased to see that Qatar is managing this crisis with composure under the resolute and wise leadership of my brother Emir Sheikh Tamim. I would like to re-emphasize that we as Türkiye always stand by Qatar, our friendly and brotherly ally.”
President Erdoğan went on: “It is an undeniable fact that the main objective of the Netanyahu government is to continue the massacre and genocide in Palestine while concurrently destabilizing the whole region without any distinction. We are faced with a terrorist mindset that thrives on chaos and blood, embodied in a state. This mindset, which blatantly violates the United Nations charter and challenges international law and the rules-based international system, can stay alive because it commits crimes with impunity. We recently see some arrogant sham politicians in Israel frequently repeating the ‘Greater Israel’ delusions. Israel’s efforts to expand its occupations in neighboring countries are each a concrete manifestation of this goal. The Islamic world possesses the fortitude and the means to frustrate Israel's expansionist ambitions.”
“We must intensify our diplomatic efforts to expand the sanctions against Israel”
President Erdoğan stated: “The Netanyahu massacre gang has turned into a liability for its supporters, as well, given that it has lost all balance. Even those who unconditionally support Israel had to take a stance against its reckless attacks on Qatar. It is for sure a favorable development that some countries have announced an intention to recognize the State of Palestine. I wish this had taken place at an earlier stage; yet, it will be difficult for these steps to yield results unless supported with concrete and strong steps against Israel. We must intensify our diplomatic efforts to expand the sanctions against Israel. Legal mechanisms must be employed to hold Israeli authorities accountable before justice.”
“We all know that Israel will not stop in the short term unless it comes under a strong reaction and sanctions, further speeding up its occupation and destabilizing policies,” President Erdoğan said. “We know that we are in possession of the means to hinder this. It is imperative for us to come to a level of self-sufficiency in certain fields. At the top of them come a deterrent defense industry and development. I would like you to know that we stand ready to share our experiences and capabilities with you, our brothers and sisters. I believe that we must intensify our cooperation in these fields to win the coming decades. I also believe that Israel must be cornered economically as well. Our past experiences show that such steps pay dividends. As Türkiye, we have halted all trade with Israel for 1.5 years, thus renouncing a figure of 9.5 billion dollars.”
President Erdoğan added: “I am of the opinion that it is also very important to lend support to the genocide case lodged with the International Court of Justice. We must be able to implement concrete steps and mechanisms to ensure, collectively by ourselves, security in the region. I believe that there are steps that can be taken within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We will determinedly continue our efforts until a territorially-united Palestinian state, with al-Quds as its capital, is established based on the 1967 borders. We cannot accept deportation, genocide or disintegration in this sacred fight. I hope the summit can lead to steps to stop the Israeli threat, and that all of its decisions can be followed through.”
