OIC stands with Western Thrace Turks, urges action on Israeli strikes
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has reaffirmed its support for the rights of the Turkish Muslim minority of Western Thrace and the Turkish Muslim population of the Dodecanese in Greece, as part of the Istanbul Declaration issued at the close of its 51st session held in Istanbul on Sunday.
In a strong statement of solidarity, the declaration emphasized the importance of protecting the identity, rights, and freedoms of these communities, reaffirming respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states, while condemning interference that undermines minority rights.
The declaration, which focused heavily on escalating tensions in the Middle East, also strongly condemned Israel’s recent attacks on Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, urging the international community to take “deterrent measures” to stop what it described as violations of international law and sovereignty.
A newly formed “Ministerial Contact Group” will coordinate diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and promote peaceful resolution.
The Istanbul Declaration placed the Palestinian issue at the heart of its agenda, reiterating support for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. It called for a UN-led peace conference and demanded immediate implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735 to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
The OIC accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, blocking humanitarian aid, and using starvation as a weapon of forced displacement. It also voiced strong support for UNRWA and the continued protection of Jerusalem’s cultural and religious status.
Beyond the Middle East, the OIC addressed multiple global concerns, including support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, condemnation of human rights abuses in Myanmar against the Rohingya, and growing Islamophobia worldwide. It also welcomed efforts toward normalization between Azerbaijan and Armenia and backed the integration of Syria into regional systems.
The declaration concluded with praise for Jordan’s role in protecting holy sites in Jerusalem and anticipation for the 2026 Islamic Summit Conference in Azerbaijan, underscoring unity and cooperation across the Islamic world.
