Turkey’s Erdogan Calls for Summit of Muslim Leaders on Gaza War, Reports Reuters

ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has called for an emergency summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and what he describes as Israeli aggression towards Jerusalem.

Erdogan, a prominent critic of Israel during its military operations against the Hamas militant group, urged Islamic nations to unite against Israel’s alleged “expansionism” over the weekend.

Speaking following a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized that Israel is targeting the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem as part of its expansionist agenda. He declared that Jerusalem and the mosque, which holds significant meaning for both Muslims and Jews, are considered “red lines” for Turkey.

The OIC, which consists of 57 member states, positions itself as the collective voice of the Muslim world. Erdogan criticized the organization, stating, “It is unimaginable for the OIC, whose mission is to advocate for the cause of Jerusalem, to remain passive in the face of these attacks. It is critical that the organization meet at the leadership level without delay.”

Erdogan also announced that Turkey plans to approach the International Court of Justice regarding the recent killing of a Turkish-American woman, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, during a protest in the West Bank.

“We will take every legal action to ensure her death is not in vain,” he stated. “The leadership of Israel, which is committing genocide, will undoubtedly be held accountable for its actions,” he added.