Latest news with #GazaCrisis
Arab News
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistani FM in Istanbul to demand Iran-Israel ceasefire at this week's OIC meeting
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Istanbul on Friday to attend the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers, his office said, as Israel and Iran continue to engage in military conflict while the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates. The 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers is expected to focus on coordinated efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and Israel, the two regional rivals, along with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The meeting comes at a time when Middle East tensions are high, with Iran and Israel trading missiles and strikes for seven days now. Pakistan has condemned Israel for launching a surprise attack on Iran's nuclear facilities and military leadership last Friday, calling for peace and diplomacy to resolve the issue. 'Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, arrived in Istanbul to participate in the 51st Session of the Council of the Foreign Minister (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) being held on 21-22 June 2025 and to attend the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum award ceremony where President Erdogan will be honored,' the Foreign Office said in a press release. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, arrived in Istanbul to participate in the 51st Session of the Council of the Foreign Minister (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) being held on 21-22 June 2025 and to attend the… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 20, 2025 The Pakistani foreign office said Dar was received by Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkiye, Dr. Yousaf Junaid, Consul General Nauman Aslam and the representatives of the Turkish ministry of foreign affairs. 'During the plenary session, the DPM/FM will share Pakistan's perspective on the developments in South Asia following the ceasefire arrangement between Pakistan and India and the situation in the Middle East after Israel's recent aggression against Iran and other regional states,' the foreign office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, said in a statement on Thursday. He added that Dar would advocate for peace in the Middle East and highlight the need for humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza during the meeting on June 21 and 22. Beyond the Middle East, Dar is also expected to address broader issues of concern to the Muslim world, urging the international community to 'combat the escalating tide of Islamophobia' by addressing rising extremism and militancy, as well as the growing threat of climate change. He will also reaffirm Pakistan's commitment to the principles and objectives of the OIC in addressing challenges faced by Muslim nations globally. Dar, who also holds the portfolio of foreign minister, is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other OIC member states on the sidelines of the conference. The high-level meeting is taking place amid media reports that the United States is weighing options, including potentially joining Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Arab News
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan deputy PM arrives in Istanbul for OIC session amid Iran-Israel conflict
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Istanbul on Friday to attend the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers, his office said, as Israel and Iran continue to engage in military conflict while the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates. The 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers is expected to focus on coordinated efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and Israel, the two regional rivals, along with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The meeting comes at a time when Middle East tensions are high, with Iran and Israel trading missiles and strikes for seven days now. Pakistan has condemned Israel for launching a surprise attack on Iran's nuclear facilities and military leadership last Friday, calling for peace and diplomacy to resolve the issue. 'Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, arrived in Istanbul to participate in the 51st Session of the Council of the Foreign Minister (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) being held on 21-22 June 2025 and to attend the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum award ceremony where President Erdogan will be honored,' the Foreign Office said in a press release. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, arrived in Istanbul to participate in the 51st Session of the Council of the Foreign Minister (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) being held on 21-22 June 2025 and to attend the… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 20, 2025 The Pakistani foreign office said Dar was received by Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkiye, Dr. Yousaf Junaid, Consul General Nauman Aslam and the Turkish ministry of foreign affairs representatives. 'During the plenary session, the DPM/FM will share Pakistan's perspective on the developments in South Asia following the ceasefire arrangement between Pakistan and India and the situation in the Middle East after Israel's recent aggression against Iran and other regional states,' the foreign office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, said in a statement on Thursday. He added that Dar would advocate for peace in the Middle East and highlight the need for humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza during the meeting on June 21 and 22. Beyond the Middle East, Dar is also expected to address broader issues of concern to the Muslim world, urging the international community to 'combat the escalating tide of Islamophobia' by addressing rising extremism and militancy, as well as the growing threat of climate change. He will also reaffirm Pakistan's commitment to the principles and objectives of the OIC in addressing challenges faced by Muslim nations globally. Dar, who also holds the portfolio of foreign minister, is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other OIC member states on the sidelines of the conference. The high-level meeting is taking place amid media reports that the United States is weighing options, including potentially joining Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Arab News
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Jordan FM holds talks with French, Irish, Slovak counterparts on Gaza crisis, Iran tensions
AMMAN: Jordan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi held a series of discussions on Thursday with European counterparts from France, Ireland, and Slovakia, focusing on efforts to end the escalating crises in the Middle East and revive diplomatic paths toward peace. In Paris, Safadi met with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, with the two ministers stressing the urgent need to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Iran and resume negotiations as 'the only way to protect the region from the expansion of the war and its dangerous repercussions.' Safadi welcomed talks planned for Friday in Geneva between France, Germany, the US, and Iran, expressing hope they would give diplomacy a chance to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, the Jordan News Agency reported. Both he and Barrot also called for intensified international efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and ensure the immediate and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid. Safadi said the inhumane reality in Gaza, marked by massacres, starvation, and collective suffering, must end, and warned that illegal Israeli measures in the West Bank are further eroding chances of a viable two-state solution. He reiterated Jordan's backing of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and called for international recognition of the state of Palestine, saying such a move affirms the 'inevitability' of the two-state solution as the only path to a just peace. Safadi also praised France's 'key' role in co-leading efforts, alongside Saudi Arabia, to organize an international conference on the two-state solution, which had been postponed due to the recent Iran-Israel escalation. The ministers also addressed the situation in Syria, highlighting the need for a unified approach that supports Syria's sovereignty, eliminates terrorism, ensures refugee return and lays the groundwork for reconstruction. They reaffirmed their commitment to Lebanon's stability and the wider humanitarian mission in Gaza. In a separate phone call with Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs Simon Harris, Safadi discussed similar themes, with both stressing that ending the war and resuming nuclear negotiations with Iran were essential to resolving broader regional instability. They called for enhanced UN humanitarian access to Gaza and warned against actions in the West Bank that could jeopardize the two-state solution. Safadi thanked Ireland for its longstanding support of Palestinian statehood and rights in line with international law. Later in the day, Safadi also held talks with Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar. The pair echoed concerns over regional escalation and underlined the urgency of a ceasefire in Gaza. Safadi and Blanar also explored ways to deepen ties and expand cooperation between Jordan and the EU, reaffirming a shared commitment to regional peace and security.
Arab News
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan's deputy PM to attend OIC meeting in Istanbul, call for Israel-Iran ceasefire
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul this weekend and call for an immediate Israel-Iran ceasefire to help restore peace in the Middle East, the foreign office said on Thursday. The 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers is expected to focus on coordinated efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two regional rivals, along with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The meeting comes at a time of heightened volatility for the bloc, following Pakistan's brief but intense military standoff with India last month and Iran's escalating confrontation with Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. "During the plenary session, the DPM/FM will share Pakistan's perspective on the developments in South Asia following the ceasefire arrangement between Pakistan and India and the situation in the Middle East after Israel's recent aggression against Iran and other regional states," the foreign office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, said in a statement. He added that Dar would advocate for peace in the Middle East and highlight the need for humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza during the meeting on June 21 and 22. Beyond the Middle East, Dar is also expected to address broader issues of concern to the Muslim world, urging the international community to "combat the escalating tide of Islamophobia" by addressing rising extremism and militancy, as well as the growing threat of climate change. He will also reaffirm Pakistan's commitment to the principles and objectives of the OIC in addressing challenges faced by Muslim nations globally. Dar, who also holds the portfolio of foreign minister, is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other OIC member states on the sidelines of the conference. According to the foreign office, he will participate in an award ceremony honoring Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with the 'OIC Youth Forum Grand Youth Award.' The high-level meeting is taking place amid media reports that the United States is weighing options, including potentially joining Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks last week after Israeli forces bombed sites linked to its nuclear and military infrastructure on June 13. Tehran says more than 224 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the strikes. Israel has also reported over two dozen civilian deaths.
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
Europe's tepid response to Israel's strikes says a lot
The Middle East is on edge. The crisis in Gaza deepens daily. Diplomacy has stalled – a high-level UN conferenc e to advance efforts towards a two-state solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict has been indefinitely postponed. Meanwhile, the EU – whose response to the destruction of Gaza has been woefully inadequate – is more divided than ever now that Israel has opened another front with Iran. Its 27 member states are split between those that back Israel and those that are alarmed by the collapse of international law. The EU's collective voice has largely been silent. The EU is not incapable of strong action; its robust response to the war in Ukraine proves that. But Ukraine is seen as a neighbour, and Russia as a direct threat to EU and Nato security. Brussels' rhetoric has been clear and can be summed up as the EU standing with Ukraine every step of the way. When it comes to Gaza, however, the EU defaults to financial aid. An additional €25 million ($28.7 million) was pledged recently, bringing the EU's total to more than €100 million this year. But what is sorely lacking is moral clarity – a principled, united voice calling on Israel to stop. The EU's former foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has been one of the few to speak out clearly. Addressing dignitaries last month while collecting the Charles V European Award in Spain he said Europe was 'facing the largest ethnic cleansing operation since the end of the Second World War in order to create a splendid holiday destination once the millions of tonnes of rubble have been cleared from Gaza and the Palestinians have died or gone away'. The Middle East may lie outside the EU's immediate sphere but geography is not the only issue for the bloc's lack of action. It is also about leadership. The Middle East may lie outside the EU's immediate sphere but geography is not the only issue for the bloc's lack of action Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, has shown a marked reluctance to engage on Gaza. Ms Kallas lacks knowledge of the Middle East — a startling deficiency for someone in her role. But surely within the vast bureaucracy of Brussels, she could find capable advisers with regional expertise? Ms Kallas's unwavering focus on Ukraine is personal. Her family suffered under Soviet oppression, and she has made it clear that her mission is to support Ukraine. But a seeming lack of parallel empathy for Palestinians – who are equally victims of overwhelming military force – is striking. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a German politician, has faced intense criticism for her stance. Germany has not only defended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions in Gaza, but also imprisoned pro-Palestinian demonstrators and turned away Palestinian doctors invited to Germany for humanitarian lectures. Ms Von der Leyen has loudly condemned Russia's war crimes in Ukraine, but on Israel's crimes in Gaza she has remained largely silent. She continues to blame Iran for this latest regional escalation – despite Israel's initial strikes – and has been accused of pursuing a 'pro-Israel solo run,' according to Irish MEP Barry Andrews. He noted that Mr Netanyahu's recent speech justifying attacks on Iran 'echoed President Bush's justification for invading Iraq in 2003'. Meanwhile, the humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has gone further, accusing EU governments of 'hypocrisy and inaction' that is fuelling the suffering in Gaza. So, what can the EU do to regain its relevance – and its integrity? First, it must abandon the requirement for unanimity in foreign policy decisions and move towards qualified majority voting. This would streamline decisions and prevent a handful of member states from blocking action. Second, the EU should appoint a high-profile special envoy with real gravitas — someone respected by both Israelis and Palestinians, and who is trusted in the region. Candidates like Martin Griffiths, former UN humanitarian chief, or Kenneth Roth, long-time director of Human Rights Watch, would bring credibility, experience and moral authority. Such an envoy could engage regional players – including Hamas, Israel, Egypt and Qatar – to push for a ceasefire, demand accountability for settler violence and begin sketching a roadmap for regional de-escalation. Third, the EU must use its economic leverage. As Israel's largest trading partner, the EU has influence — but rarely applies it. Brussels could suspend parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, re-direct aid to vetted Palestinian civil society groups, provide economic incentives to neighbouring states for de-escalation and impose targeted arms embargoes using the EU's Common Position on Arms Exports when weapons are used in violation of international law. And when it comes to Iran, the only sustainable path is diplomacy. The EU should reactivate its backchannels — through France, Germany, and the UK — to pursue arms control, sanctions relief and renewed diplomatic engagement, including on proxy groups like Hezbollah or the Houthis. If it acts, this crisis could become an opportunity for the EU. It could reclaim its place as a regional power, not just a trade bloc. It could show that Europe can lead independently of the US. Most importantly, it could demonstrate that the EU is not just a cheque book for humanitarian aid but a credible broker for peace.
