Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged for an arms embargo on Israel, a halt to trade with the country, and its global isolation, describing these measures as essential to holding Israel accountable for its actions in the region.
Speaking at the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) summit in Cairo on Thursday, Erdogan emphasized the need for coordinated action, particularly among Islamic nations, to counter Israel’s policies.
“We witness Israel’s actions that violate Syria’s territorial integrity, such as the expansion of illegal settlements in the Golan Heights,” Erdogan said.
The Turkish president called on Islamic countries, especially D-8 member states, to take a united stance against Israel.
“As Islamic nations, we must lead efforts to impose meaningful steps against Israel,” he stated.
Erdogan underscored the importance of unity for regional stability and the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.
“A stronger response from the D-8 to the lawlessness threatening Syria’s stability and the broader region is necessary,” he added.
The D-8 Summit in Cairo
President Erdogan participated in the D-8 summit held in Cairo, where he was welcomed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. After a formal reception and a group photo, Erdogan joined the summit proceedings.
A Turkish delegation, including Trade Minister Omer Bolat, Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin, Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun, and Presidential Adviser on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Cagatay Kilic, accompanied him to the summit.
The summit, focused on enhancing economic cooperation among member states, also included a special session addressing the situations in Palestine and Lebanon.
Founded in 1997 in Türkiye, the D-8 aims to bolster economic and social ties among its members, which include Türkiye, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh.
In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry highlighted the importance of the D-8 summit in fostering collaboration among its diverse member nations.
