Türkiye is preparing to host the 51st Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul on June 21–22, with a primary focus on the crisis in Gaza and escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel.

Under the theme “Organization of Islamic Cooperation in a Transforming World,” the two-day summit is expected to bring together over 40 foreign ministers from the OIC’s 57 member states — a record turnout in terms of senior-level participation. More than 1,000 delegates, including officials from observer nations, OIC-affiliated institutions, and international organizations, will also attend.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is scheduled to address the opening session, offering a high-level overview of the region’s deteriorating security situation. Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will assume the rotating presidency of the OIC Council from Cameroon’s Lejeune Mbella Mbella, and deliver the summit’s inaugural remarks.

A special session will be held to address Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, reflecting the urgency of the crisis and the growing concern among Muslim-majority nations.

The top priority on the agenda will be the ongoing genocide and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with discussions centered on Israeli aggression, humanitarian relief, reconstruction efforts, and diplomatic pathways toward a two-state solution.

Delegates will also deliberate on the regional and global security consequences of Israel’s expanding military campaign, especially its cross-border strikes into Iran.

In addition, the OIC will dedicate Contact Group sessions to address the plight of Muslim communities in Jammu and Kashmir and Myanmar, including the Rohingya—underscoring the organization's broader commitment to defending oppressed Muslims worldwide.

Taking over the one-year rotating presidency, Türkiye has pledged to keep the Palestinian issue at the top of the OIC’s agenda, while also championing unity and decisive action on pressing issues affecting the Islamic world.

Sources close to the summit indicate that Arab League members are lobbying for an extraordinary meeting to further address the Iran-Israel conflict and formulate a collective response.

The summit is expected to culminate with the adoption of the “Istanbul Declaration”, along with several draft resolutions that reaffirm the OIC’s support for Palestinian sovereignty, condemn Israeli military aggression, and propose concrete steps to alleviate humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

This high-stakes gathering may mark a turning point in how the Islamic world responds to the current crisis, with growing calls for unity, action, and international accountability. (ILKHA)