Foreign ministers from seven key Muslim countries convened in Istanbul today, hosted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, to confront the escalating Israeli violations of the Gaza ceasefire and chart a path toward Palestinian self-determination.

Representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan joined forces to denounce Israel's relentless attacks, which have claimed over 200 Palestinian lives since the truce began on October 10.

The meeting underscored a unified stance: the fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire must be preserved at all costs to prevent the resumption of Israel's genocidal campaign against the besieged Gaza Strip. "All participants agree that we do not want the atrocities in Gaza to resume," Fidan declared to reporters, emphasizing the ministers' unwavering support for a two-state solution as the only viable foundation for genuine peace.

Fidan pulled no punches in exposing Israel's systematic sabotage of the truce. He accused the occupation regime of repeatedly breaching the agreement through deadly airstrikes and obstructing vital humanitarian aid, actions that have starved and terrorized Gaza's 2.3 million residents. "Israel is hiding behind pretexts to continue its occupation and massacres," he said, echoing warnings that these provocations threaten to derail global peace efforts.

On Gaza's future, the ministers rejected any foreign-imposed governance, insisting that "Palestine should be governed and secured by Palestinians." Discussions focused on a UN-mandated international stabilization force to monitor the ceasefire, with Muslim nations ready to contribute troops once a legitimate framework is established. Fidan stressed the need for careful consensus on post-war plans to avoid entrenching structural injustices, prioritizing Palestinian leadership and reconstruction free from Zionist interference.

Earlier today, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, praising Hamas for its steadfast commitment to the ceasefire while condemning Israel for its "very poor record" of compliance. "Hamas is quite determined to adhere to the agreement, but we face an administration that has slaughtered over 200 innocents since the truce, continuing its attacks in the West Bank without pause," Erdoğan thundered, calling for Muslim nations to lead Gaza's rebuilding and deliver unfettered aid to the oppressed population.

Despite the October 10 ceasefire halting large-scale bombardment, Gaza's Health Ministry reports relentless Israeli strikes have martyred more than 200 Palestinians, including women and children, while aid convoys remain blocked. These war crimes have tested the truce's resilience, with Hamas denying any violations and affirming its dedication to peace.

The Istanbul summit marks a critical escalation in Muslim diplomacy, building on prior coordination with U.S. President Donald Trump. Participants demanded Israel's full withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories, immediate humanitarian access, and Gaza's reconstruction under Palestinian control. As Fidan warned, "We've reached an extremely critical stage: nobody wants to see a new system of tutelage emerge." The world watches as these nations stand firm against apartheid and occupation, championing justice for Palestine. (ILKHA)