On August 12, 2014, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu attended the Expanded Extraordinary Meeting of Organization of İslamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee on the grave situation in the occupied State of Palestine, held in Jeddah.

In his statement at the meeting Foreign Minister Davutoğlu elaborated on three main dimensions of Turkey’s approach to the situation in Palestine.

Concerning the Israeli aggression in Palestine and its consequences Foreign Minister Davutoğlu recalled that this is not the first time that international community witness an Israeli attack on Gaza and said “Israel should be held accountable for its unprecedented attacks. All of the members of the international community including the OIC countries have a legal and moral obligation to make Israel accountable under international law for its horrifying aggression against the Palestinian people”.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu praised Palestinians for their unwavering determination in their legitimate struggle while maintain their unity in the face of Israel’s attempts to destroy Palestinian unity government.

As the second dimension, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu mentioned the way forward and emphasized that all parties should realized that a sustainable ceasefire in the region requires lifting restrictions on Gaza and Turkey cannot accept to a return to the status quo ante. Noting that the latest episode of Israeli aggression proves once again that only a negotiated political settlement based on two state vision wil bring lasting , just and sustainable peace and security in the region Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stated that international community should urge Israel to start peace negotiations with Palestinian National Unity Government once a sustainable ceasefire is achieved.

“The international community should exert joint efforts for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians including food, water, medicine, as well as for the immediate re-opening of the power plant” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu and called upon the members of the OIC to address these most pressing humanitarian needs. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu also informed participants of Turkey’s official aid to Palestine which has exceeded 300 million dollars.

Lastly, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu pointed out the OIC’s role and importance in supporting the Palestinian cause and said “The OIC has to adopt a more proactive approach, to secure sustainable ceasefire, which will enable us to extend our helping hand to our brothers in Gaza. Turkey, for its part, is ready to lead and cooperate on such a humanitarian aid effort by our fellow Muslim nations, through the “air bridge” we have established into Gaza.”

Stressing that the Muslim world will not live in peace as long as there is no permanent peace for Palestinian brothers and sisters based on their dignity Foreign Minister Davutoğlu proposed an “OIC Action Plan for Palestine” to increase urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza; intensify efforts for sustainable ceasefire in Gaza; support UN Human Rights Council to implement its relevant resolutions; intensify efforts to help reconstruction of Gaza; support Palestinian National Unity Government and President Abbas; start a campaign for the membership of State of Palestine in all international organizations and recognition of the State of Palestine in all international fora and embolden support to the Arab Peace Plan.

Statement by Foreign Minister Davutoğlu at the Expanded Extraordinary Meeting of OIC Executive Committee