Egypt joins Türkiye’s call for UN arms embargo on Israel
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (not seen) and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi hold a joint press conference after their meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye on September 04, 2024 (AA Photo)
Egypt has joined Türkiye and a coalition of 52 nations in calling on the United Nations to impose an arms embargo on Israel.
The joint appeal, addressed to the U.N. Secretary-General, the President of the Security Council, and the President of the General Assembly, urges immediate action to stop arms deliveries to Israel, citing violations against Palestinian civilians in occupied territories.
International coalition backs call to stop arms to Israel
The joint statement, initiated by Türkiye, calls for a halt to arms exports to Israel, highlighting the alleged use of these arms in violations against Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the broader occupied territories.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry affirmed Cairo’s participation, explaining that it supports “international efforts to pressure Israel to cease its continuous violations of international law and humanitarian law.”
Egypt joins the letter addressed to the United Nations demanding a halt to arms exports to Israel
Egypt joined the letter addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General, the President of the Security Council and the President of the General Assembly demanding a halt to arms exports to Israel that could be used against the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
The letter received the support of 52 states, in addition to the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Egypt was keen to be part of the core group of countries that has been striving during the past period to mobilize countries to sign the letter, which comes within the framework of the unremitting global efforts to pressure Israel into ceasing its ongoing violations of international law and international humanitarian law, as well as for the international community to assume its responsibilities to halt Israeli violations against the Palestinian people and protect them.
The letter highlights the flagrant Israeli violations of international law in the occupied Palestinian territories, and calls for the necessity of taking immediate steps to halt the exports of weapons to Israel that are used in the occupied Palestinian territories, and stresses the importance of this step to put an end to the grave violations committed against the Palestinian people, in line with the relevant U.N. resolutions.
The letter called on the Security Council to play its role in achieving international peace and security, and to take tangible measures to protect civilians and ensure accountability.
Egypt Foreign Ministry statement
Türkiye’s role and support from Arab and Islamic Organizations
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that the letter had been submitted to the U.N. on November 1, with backing from 52 states, the League of Arab States, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The letter highlights concerns over ongoing civilian casualties and emphasizes the need for international accountability measures.
Fidan underscored the importance of this step, stating, “We must repeat at every opportunity that selling arms to Israel is complicity in genocide.” His remarks reflect Türkiye’s stance on advocating for diplomatic measures to address the crisis.
Israel’s response: UN Ambassador condemns move
Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon criticized Türkiye’s actions, accusing Ankara of acting with “malice.” Danon expressed concern that the call for an arms embargo would undermine Israel’s security efforts, especially as regional tensions remain high.
The statement from Egypt and its allies, however, underscores the international community’s role in seeking a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Appeal to UN for greater accountability and civilian protection
The coalition of nations also called on the U.N. Security Council to implement measures to protect civilians and maintain international peace. The letter emphasizes the need to halt arms shipments that could escalate the conflict and calls for adherence to relevant U.N. resolutions.
