Erdogan says UNRWA to open office in Turkey, calls for more support for agency
The United Nations' Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA will open an office in Ankara, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, urging Muslim countries to give the agency more support after Israel banned it.
Israel last year banned UNRWA, saying it had employed members of Palestinian militant group Hamas who took part in the October 2023 attacks on Israel that triggered the Gaza war.
Addressing foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, Erdogan said opening an Ankara UNRWA office would deepen Turkey's support for the agency.
"We must not allow UNRWA, which plays an irreplaceable role in terms of taking care of Palestinian refugees, to be paralysed by Israel. We expect our organisation and each member state to provide financial and moral support to UNRWA to thwart Israel's games," Erdogan said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
US bombs three Iranian nuclear sites including Fordow
Israeli military continues strikes on Iran as it prepares for 'prolonged campaign' Erdogan: Turkey ready to mediate between Israel and Iran Israel claims Iran was plotting attack in Cyprus Putin pledges support for Iranian nuclear energy programme Israeli military says it killed two IRGC commanders More than 400 killed in Israeli strikes, Iranian health ministry says
Sharjah 24
5 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
Attack on Iran violates international law: GCC Secretary-General
In his address at the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which began today in Istanbul, Al Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's call for a return to diplomacy. He stressed the importance of exercising restraint and maintaining open diplomatic channels, viewing them as the only viable path to avoid a wider regional escalation. Al Budaiwi praised Oman's positive mediation role in promoting US-Iran negotiations and urged all parties to prioritise wisdom and diplomacy, warning against the risks of a confrontation that could extend beyond regional borders. Regarding developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, Al Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC's unwavering support for the Palestinian people in Gaza and called for an end to their suffering. He emphasised the need to lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip, open all crossings to allow the entry of humanitarian aid and essential supplies, and ensure their continuous delivery to the population. He also underscored the urgent need for international protection for the Palestinian people and called for an end to the targeting of civilians, urging full compliance with international law, international humanitarian law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions without exception. On another note, Al Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's support for joint Islamic action efforts led by the OIC since its founding. He noted that the Council's support is especially evident in key issues of priority for the Islamic world. He highlighted the political support provided by the GCC during emergency Islamic summits and its contributions to reconstruction efforts in affected areas, as well as defending the rights of Muslim communities in international forums in line with the principle of Islamic solidarity. Al Budaiwi added that the GCC has played a central role in combating Islamophobia and countering campaigns aimed at distorting the image of Islam, by backing the OIC's initiatives at the United Nations and adopting landmark resolutions that promote coexistence and mutual respect. He noted that GCC countries play an active role in political mediation and conflict resolution within the Islamic world, including support for dialogue between disputing parties and facilitating international consensus on sensitive issues through effective diplomatic channels.
Sharjah 24
5 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
Arab Parliament calls on Italy to recognise Palestinian state
Al Yamahi expressed hope that the Italian government would adopt policies and measures to exert pressure on Israel to halt its acts of genocide and starvation against the Palestinian people. His remarks came during a meeting with Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, on the sidelines of the Arab Parliament's participation in the 2nd Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in cooperation with the Italian Parliament. During the meeting, the President of the Arab Parliament discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East, stressing that the region is witnessing unprecedented tensions in light of the ongoing war between Iran and Israel. He emphasised that the region cannot withstand further escalation and that diplomatic solutions remain the only path to achieving lasting peace and stability.
