Turkish foreign minister says D8 meeting aims to show support for Palestinians

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Saturday (June 8) that an extraordinary meeting of D-8 countries, an economic cooperation group of developing nations, convened to voice support for Palestinians, adding that the war in Gaza has become “a challenge to global democracy,” Reuters reports.

 

The D-8 includes Turkey, Iran, Egypt, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan.

 

“This extraordinary ministerial council meeting aims at mobilising further support and demonstrating solidarity for Palestine. More than ever, Gaza needs hope and support, but above all, it needs action,” Fidan said during his opening remarks.

 

“Due to Israel’s attempts to escalate the war, our brothers and sisters are under increasing threat in the region and beyond,” he added.

 

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has sharply criticised Israel’s military offensive in Gaza against Hamas, calling the militant group a “liberation movement”. Ankara has halted all bilateral trade with Israel until the war ends and aid can flow unhindered into Gaza.