Turkey Demands Israel's Suspension From UN General Assembly
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged Islamic nations to work toward suspending Israel from participating in United Nations General Assembly meetings and activities.
Speaking at an emergency summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Fidan said that Palestinians needed collective action to end Israel’s genocide in Gaza and settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
“This meeting will focus on three urgent tasks: halting the war, forging a united response of the Islamic Ummah, and mobilising the international community,” he said.
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Fidan stressed that Israel’s “genocidal aggression” continues in Gaza, where half a million people face catastrophic hunger, adding that the UN has now officially declared famine in the territory.
He noted that Hamas has already accepted a ceasefire plan proposed by Qatar and Egypt, yet the Israeli government “still seeks the erasure of Palestine”.
“Therefore, we must join our efforts in sustaining and expanding the momentum for Palestine’s recognition, while also launching an initiative within the UN for Palestine’s full membership – and considering the suspension of Israel from the work of the General Assembly,” Fidan added.
Fidan’s call to suspend Israel from the UN General Assembly has precedent.
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Articles 5 and 6 of the UN Charter state that a member may be suspended or expelled if it “persistently violates the principles contained in the Charter”.
However, such a move requires a recommendation from the Security Council, where the five permanent members, including the United States, hold veto power.
