Prague, February 06, 2024, The Europe Today: In a diplomatic gathering hosted in the Czech capital, Prague, the Turkish Ambassador to Prague, Egemen Bagis, passionately called for an immediate ceasefire to halt the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza. The meeting, focused on the Israel-Palestine issue, took place on Tuesday and was presided over by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky. Notable participants included ambassadors from the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries.
During the meeting, Ambassador Bagis underscored the unity among OIC and Arab League members in their commitment to assisting Palestine, regardless of differences on other matters. He emphasized that the situation is not solely an Arab or Muslim issue but a profound humanitarian tragedy that demands urgent attention and resolution.
“I am happy to inform you that despite their differences on other issues, all members of the OIC as well as the members of the Arab League are fully united when it comes to helping Palestine. However, this is neither an Arab issue nor a Muslim issue. The issue at hand is a humanitarian tragedy,” stated Ambassador Egemen Bagis, who chaired the group formed by envoys of OIC member countries in Prague, at the meeting held at the Foreign Ministry.
Expressing deep concern over the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, Ambassador Bagis condemned Israeli attacks and extremist rhetoric. He highlighted the interim ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last month as a clear indication that Israel must cease its actions, which have led to tragic consequences.
Ambassador Bagis revealed startling figures, stating that 27,000 Palestinians, with 70 percent of them being women and children, have lost their lives due to Israeli forces’ actions. Emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution, he asserted that a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders remains the only viable path for both Palestinians and Israelis to coexist in safety.
The call for an immediate ceasefire resonated across the international diplomatic community present at the meeting, urging concerted efforts to bring an end to the suffering in Gaza and establish a lasting peace in the region.
