A coalition of parliamentarians from 10 countries, including Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu, Chairman of Türkiye’s HÜDA PAR (Free Cause Party), has issued a joint letter to the heads of state of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), demanding immediate and concrete actions to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The letter, signed by Yapıcıoğlu alongside Abdelmadjid Menasra (Algeria), Abdelilah Benkirane (Morocco), Ayman Nour (Egypt), Hidayat Nur Wahid (Indonesia), Usama Nuceyfi (Iraq), Hamid Bin Abdullah el-Ahmar (Yemen), Wan Ahmad Fayhsal (Malaysia), Mushahid Hussain (Pakistan), and Sayed Salim Abu Mesamih (Palestine), outlines seven urgent steps for the Islamic world to take in response to the systematic genocide against over two million Palestinians in Gaza.

The parliamentarians outlined a comprehensive seven-point plan aimed at alleviating the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and holding the occupying forces accountable:

1. Launch a Unified Humanitarian Aid Convoy: The MPs propose that all 57 OIC member states participate in a large-scale humanitarian aid convoy, flying their national flags, to the Rafah Border Crossing. This initiative aims to break the siege and deliver essential supplies to Gaza.
2. Issue a Strong Joint Statement: The OIC is urged to release a statement declaring that obstructing the aid convoy constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law, holding the occupying forces and their allies accountable.
3. Implement Diplomatic Pressure: The MPs call for the use of diplomatic tools, including recalling ambassadors, cutting ties with the occupying state, and bringing the Palestinian issue before the UN Security Council and General Assembly to demand sanctions.
4. Pursue Legal Action: A joint Islamic initiative is proposed to bring leaders of the occupying state before international courts for charges of war crimes and genocide.
5. Enforce Economic Measures: The MPs advocate for the use of economic leverage, such as trade and investment restrictions, and coordinated efforts within global financial institutions to halt support for the occupying state's military actions.
6. Establish a Joint Media Network: Creating an Islamic media network is recommended to disseminate accurate information about the situation in Gaza, countering misleading narratives and ensuring the world is informed.
7. Adopt a Binding Timetable: The MPs emphasize the need for a clear timeline to implement decisions made in previous Islamic summits regarding Palestine, with a transparent monitoring and accountability mechanism to ensure commitments are fulfilled.

The letter underscores that the crisis in Gaza is not merely a Palestinian issue but a matter of collective responsibility for the entire Islamic ummah. The MPs highlight that the occupying state's expansionist rhetoric, including threats to invade neighboring Arab countries, poses a direct challenge to the sovereignty and unity of the Muslim world.

In a recent statement to the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu called for Türkiye to suspend its recognition of Israel and to enact legislation criminalizing genocide. He condemned the occupying state's actions as illegitimate and rooted in colonialism, urging for a reevaluation of Ankara's diplomatic stance .

The MPs conclude their letter by appealing to Islamic leaders to take decisive action, stating, "History will record your stance on this issue and the decisions you take; future generations will write about what you did during this critical period." They express confidence that the OIC can fulfill its historical role and unite the ummah in support of the oppressed and against the aggressor.

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community watches closely to see whether the OIC will translate these calls for action into tangible measures. (ILKHA)