Amman: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that nearly 20 Islamic countries have discussed "collective measures" in response to Israel's recent violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque. This discussion took place during a ministerial meeting on Jerusalem held in Amman, with an emphasis on ensuring that regional crises do not divert international attention from the developments in the occupied Palestinian territories.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan highlighted that the participants concentrated solely on recent Israeli actions targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque. "Today, we attended a truly historic meeting in Amman," Fidan stated, noting the serious exchanges of views among the distinguished countries of the Islamic world. Various concerns and anger were expressed, along with discussions on practical, diplomatic, and other steps to be taken.
He emphasized that despite the ongoing war in the Gulf and the regional and global repercussions from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the participants remained focused on "the Palestinian issue, Al-Aqsa Mosque, Gaza, and the West Bank." Fidan warned that if attention shifts away, it could facilitate Israel's activities in these areas.
Fidan reiterated Jordan's historical and legal role as custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem, affirming that Trkiye considers Al-Aqsa Mosque as one of its sacred sites. "Our president (Erdogan), our government, our state, and our society see Al-Aqsa Mosque as one of our own holy places. Any violation directed against it is regarded as a violation of the values of our nation," Fidan remarked. He added that Trkiye and Jordan had conveyed a message of solidarity regarding Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa during the meeting.
Fidan also attended the fifth ministerial meeting of the "Group of Four," comprising Saudi Arabia, Trkiye, Egypt, and Pakistan, where developments in Gaza and efforts to implement a peace plan were discussed. The four countries have been actively working to advance the plan, with Egypt and Trkiye playing mediation roles.
The ministers also examined Israel's approach to the peace process, discussing how to manage Israel's attitude, its disregard for international law, and its failure to adhere to rules during the implementation of the peace plan. Fidan mentioned that several decisions were reached, which would be conveyed to their respective leaders, and steps related to those decisions would be seen in the coming days.
The meeting addressed broader regional tensions, including risks associated with the conflict, instability linked to the Red Sea, and the possibility of further escalation. The four countries reviewed a regional vision document they have been jointly developing, described as an initial framework aimed at providing lasting solutions to the region's longstanding challenges. "This will be the first step toward drawing a framework for permanently resolving the problems across the region," Fidan concluded. "By systematically completing this work, we hope to establish lasting regional stability, security, and peace step by step."