The historic Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul is hosting high-level representatives from Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. The D-8, formed 26 years ago to strengthen economic ties, is holding its first political summit on the Gaza conflict.
Ali Bagheri Kani, acting Foreign Minister of Iran, left Tehran for Istanbul on Friday. Other attendees include Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, and Bangladesh's Minister of Social Welfare Dipu Moni. High-ranking officials from Nigeria and Egypt are also attending.
Egypt's representative joins the summit amid ongoing diplomatic efforts due to its northern border with Gaza. Egypt has mediated repeated ceasefire talks and discussions about the Rafah border. Rafah, the southernmost point of Gaza, has been a refuge for over a million displaced Palestinians and has faced intense attacks from Israel, including bombings of refugee tents.
The atrocities committed by Israel over the past eight months, including genocide, blocking aid, and defying international rulings, have led the D-8 to address a political issue for the first time. Over 36,000 Gazans have died as a result of the conflict.
Importance of the D-8 Group
The D-8 consists of Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh, representing over a billion people and 4.5% of the world's GDP. Iran, Turkey, and Egypt have taken significant steps regarding Gaza. Turkey has cut economic ties with Israel, Egypt has been actively involved in ceasefire talks, and Iran's role in the regional resistance makes its participation crucial. This summit, organized by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, will discuss humanitarian aid and other measures to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians. A joint statement on Gaza is expected, which could enhance the diplomatic efforts of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Latest developments in the Gaza war
The extraordinary D-8 summit on Gaza occurs as the conflict dominates global news. Israel's shocking crimes have sparked reactions from regional supporters, Muslim nations, and global condemnation from the UN Security Council, the International Court of Justice, universities, and Western citizens, including artists and athletes. This backlash has led to unprecedented European recognition of Palestine and Israel's growing international isolation.
Despite these developments, the ultimate goals—stopping Israel's attacks on Gaza, starting humanitarian aid, withdrawing Israeli troops, returning Palestinians to their homes, and rebuilding Gaza—remain uncertain. Summits like the D-8 aim to expedite these outcomes.
NOURNEWS