In a fervent appeal at the D-8 summit held in Cairo, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Muslim-majority nations to unite against Israeli military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. He described the “brutal killings of civilians” in Gaza as having “revealed new dimensions of terror,” emphasizing a collective duty to act.
Call for Immediate Action
Addressing leaders from the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, President Pezeshkian stated, “It is our religious, legal, and humanitarian duty to take more practical and immediate actions to prevent further harm to our loved ones in crisis-stricken areas.” He underscored the necessity for a unified stance among Islamic countries to counter what he termed as the aggression of the Zionist regime.
Support from Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan echoed Pezeshkian’s sentiments, advocating for an arms embargo on Israel and the cessation of trade relations. Erdogan emphasized the importance of Islamic countries leading initiatives against Israel’s actions, stating, “We must work harder together, as D-8 countries, for a just and lasting peace in the region.”
Humanitarian Concerns
The summit’s discussions were heavily influenced by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Reports indicate that Israeli military operations have resulted in nearly 45,100 fatalities, predominantly women and children, since hostilities escalated in October 2023.
Advocacy for Multilateral Cooperation
President Pezeshkian also highlighted the significance of multilateralism and the creation of intelligent economic and trade networks among D-8 member countries. He expressed Iran’s willingness to share experiences and achievements, particularly in empowering youth and fostering development-oriented programs.
The D-8 summit in Cairo served as a platform for Muslim-majority nations to deliberate on collective actions in response to Israeli military operations in the Middle East. The calls for unity and practical measures reflect a growing urgency to address the humanitarian crises and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts.
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