Saturday, October 19, 2024

Erdogan urges Arab League to impose arms embargo against Israel amid ongoing Gaza conflict

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks after the cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkiye on September 30, 2024 [Utku Uçrak/Anadolu Agency]
Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has called on the Arab League to impose an arms embargo against Israel, intensifying his diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Speaking at an emergency meeting convened in Ankara, Erdogan urged Arab leaders to take immediate and decisive action in response to the recent escalation of violence in Gaza.

In his address, Erdogan condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and widespread destruction of infrastructure. He described Israel’s actions as “state terrorism” and accused the international community of failing to hold Israel accountable. “We cannot remain silent in the face of such brutality. It is our duty to protect the people of Gaza and take a stand for justice,” Erdogan declared.

The Turkish President also emphasized the need for the Arab League to show solidarity with the Palestinian cause by cutting off arms supplies to Israel. “The only way to pressure Israel is through a strong and united Arab response. I call on the Arab League to impose an immediate arms embargo against Israel. This is not just a Palestinian issue; this is a humanitarian issue,” he said.

Erdogan’s call comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East as Israeli air strikes and ground operations in Gaza have sparked international outrage. The Turkish leader has been a vocal critic of Israeli policies, particularly in relation to Palestinian Territories. He reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to supporting Palestine, including providing humanitarian aid and diplomatic backing.

Arab League leaders have yet to formally respond to Erdogan’s call for an arms embargo, but the proposal is expected to dominate upcoming regional discussions. Erdogan’s appeal reflects growing frustration among Muslim-majority nations, which have long demanded stronger action from Arab governments in response to Israeli military activities.

The ongoing conflict has also strained relations between Israel and Turkiye, with Ankara taking a more active role in advocating for Palestinian rights on the global stage. Diplomatic observers note that Erdogan’s latest move could further escalate tensions between Turkiye and Israel, potentially affecting regional stability.

The Turkish President ended his speech by calling for immediate peace talks and urging the international community, including the United Nations, to intervene to stop the violence. “There must be a ceasefire, and there must be accountability for these atrocities. The time for action is now,” Erdogan concluded.

As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, Erdogan’s call for an arms embargo is expected to amplify pressure on Arab leaders to take a more assertive stance in the conflict, with the future of regional diplomacy hanging in the balance.

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