D-8 countries call for immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza

ISTANBUL -- The extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers of Developing 8 (D-8) countries held in Turkiye's Istanbul called on Saturday for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

"We demand an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and a halt to Israel's attacks on the Palestinian people," the ministers stated in a declaration after the meeting, Turkiye's state-run Anadolu news agency reported.

The declaration noted that D-8 member states would offer unwavering support for Palestine's pursuit of full membership in the United Nations (UN) and its struggle for self-determination.

At a press conference after the meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said D-8 countries will not remain silent in the face of Israeli atrocities in Gaza.

"We will work with all our strength to end the Israeli occupation and achieve the two-state solution," Fidan added.

Advocating for the acceptance of Palestine's UN membership, the minister stressed that "Palestine's full membership in the UN is hindered by the US veto.

As D-8 countries, we demand an immediate end to this injustice." D-8, established in 1997, is an organization for development cooperation among Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkiye.?