Türkiye secures global backing for arms embargo on Israel

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Sunday announced at an emergency summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab League on Palestine that Türkiye has gained support from 52 countries, including some permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, to halt arms and ammunition transfers to Israel.

Fidan called for unified international action amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing: “We must all do what is necessary to take greater responsibility in this matter. Now is the time to demonstrate our unity.”

Arms embargo on Israel

Fidan underscored the importance of an arms embargo as a critical step to curb the violence, urging countries to go beyond symbolic support and implement concrete measures.

Speaking at the summit, he noted that Israel’s actions in Gaza and intentions regarding the historical status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque are serious concerns not only for Palestinians but for Muslims worldwide.

Context

In his address to the OIC and Arab League summit, Fidan called for a unified response to what he described as Israel’s “genocidal attacks” on Gaza. He cited statements from far-right Israeli political figures, including ministers, who have openly discussed changing the religious and historical status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Fidan warned that these actions risk heightening tensions across the Muslim world.

Big picture

Fidan proposed additional measures to increase pressure on Israel, including:

• Implementing an arms embargo as an immediate step to slow the conflict,
• Suspending trade relations with Israel,
• Supporting a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and
• Launching a UNRWA support campaign to provide aid to Palestinian refugees affected by the crisis.

What’s next?

Türkiye has already begun its campaign for an arms embargo within the U.N. framework, gathering support from a range of nations, including key members of the Security Council.

Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to advancing these efforts and urged other nations to join in taking decisive actions beyond words, aiming for de-escalation in the region and sustained humanitarian assistance.