On Friday, September 26, 2025, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan delivered a scathing critique of Israel’s policies during the Annual Coordination Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. According to diplomatic sources from Turkey, Fidan accused Israel of acting as a “rogue actor” driven by ambitions of a “Greater Israel,” warning that its actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Syria pose significant threats to the stability of the entire Middle East. The minister’s remarks underscored Turkey’s growing concerns about Israel’s expansionist strategies and their broader implications for regional peace and security.
Fidan’s speech, delivered as he chaired the OIC meeting, highlighted two primary risks facing the region: Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza, which he described as a genocide, coupled with attempts to annex the occupied West Bank and forcibly displace Palestinians; and Israel’s broader strategy of calculated expansionism, which he argued destabilizes the region. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel has transformed into a rogue actor, blinded by dreams of a ‘Greater Israel,’” Fidan declared. “These policies not only violate international law but also jeopardize the security and stability of our entire region.”
The Turkish foreign minister’s remarks come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Israel’s military operations in Gaza and its policies in the West Bank drawing widespread international condemnation. The OIC, representing 57 member states, has been a vocal platform for addressing issues affecting Muslim-majority countries, and Fidan’s leadership in this forum underscores Turkey’s ambition to position itself as a key player in shaping the global response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other regional crises.
Israel’s Actions in Gaza and the West Bank: A Humanitarian and Legal Crisis
Fidan’s condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza as a “genocide” reflects the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. Since the outbreak of hostilities following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and a dire humanitarian situation. According to reports from international aid organizations, over 1.9 million Palestinians—nearly 90% of Gaza’s population—have been displaced, with many living in makeshift shelters under dire conditions. The blockade of essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, has exacerbated the suffering, prompting accusations of war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law.
Fidan emphasized that Israel’s actions extend beyond Gaza to the occupied West Bank, where he accused the Netanyahu government of pursuing a policy of annexation and forced displacement. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, deemed illegal under international law, has accelerated in recent years, with settlers seizing Palestinian land and resources. The minister pointed to recent incidents of settler violence against Palestinian communities, often carried out with impunity, as evidence of Israel’s disregard for the rights of Palestinians.
“Israel’s efforts to annex the West Bank and displace its Palestinian inhabitants are not only a violation of international law but also a direct assault on the prospects for a two-state solution,” Fidan said. The two-state solution, long endorsed by the international community as a framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, envisions the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel. However, Israel’s settlement expansion and policies in the occupied territories have increasingly undermined this vision, leading to growing frustration among Palestinian leaders and their international supporters.
Fidan called on OIC member states to adopt a unified stance in response to these developments. He urged the organization to intensify efforts to halt all international transfers of weapons and ammunition to Israel, arguing that such measures are essential to curbing Israel’s military actions. “The international community must send a clear message that impunity for Israel’s actions will not be tolerated,” he stated. “We cannot allow the continued arming of a state that violates the fundamental principles of humanity and international law.”
Legal Avenues for Accountability: The Role of the ICJ and ICC
In addition to advocating for a halt to arms transfers, Fidan stressed the importance of leveraging international legal mechanisms to hold Israel accountable. He called for strengthening proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), which have emerged as key forums for addressing allegations of war crimes and human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, is currently reviewing a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The case, filed in December 2023, alleges that Israel’s actions constitute a breach of the 1948 Genocide Convention. While the ICJ’s rulings are legally binding, the court lacks enforcement mechanisms, and Israel has dismissed the case as baseless. Nonetheless, the proceedings have drawn significant international attention and have bolstered calls for accountability.
Similarly, the ICC has been investigating alleged war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories since 2021. The court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has sought arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, citing evidence of crimes against humanity and war crimes. Fidan emphasized that these legal avenues must be transformed into “effective tools” to end Israel’s impunity. “The international community has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that those responsible for atrocities are brought to justice,” he said.
Turkey has been a vocal supporter of these legal efforts, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan repeatedly calling for international action to address Israel’s violations. In recent months, Turkey has also taken steps to strengthen its diplomatic campaign against Israel, including suspending trade relations and joining South Africa’s ICJ case as a co-plaintiff. Fidan’s remarks at the OIC meeting reflect Turkey’s broader strategy of rallying Muslim-majority countries to pressure Israel through diplomatic and legal channels.
Syria: A Regional Flashpoint
Fidan also addressed the interconnected nature of regional stability, emphasizing that Syria’s security cannot be separated from the broader Middle Eastern context. “Israel’s crimes in Syria are a direct threat to the stability of our region,” he said, pointing to Israel’s repeated airstrikes on Syrian territory. These strikes, which Israel claims target Iranian-backed militias and weapons shipments, have raised concerns about escalation and the potential for a wider conflict.
Syria, ravaged by a decade-long civil war, remains a fragile state, with its government struggling to maintain control amid ongoing violence and economic collapse. The presence of foreign actors, including Iran, Russia, and Turkey, has further complicated the situation, making Syria a potential flashpoint for regional tensions. Fidan underscored the need for OIC member states to support Syria’s reconstruction process, noting that the country’s recovery is essential for regional stability.
“Syria’s stability is not an isolated issue,” Fidan said. “It is intricately linked to the security of neighboring countries and the broader Middle East. The OIC must play a proactive role in supporting the Syrian people as they rebuild their nation.” He called for increased humanitarian aid and investment in reconstruction efforts, while also urging the international community to address Israel’s military actions in Syria, which he described as a violation of Syrian sovereignty.
Rising Islamophobia and Global Challenges
Beyond the Middle East, Fidan highlighted the growing global challenge of Islamophobia and racist attacks targeting Muslim communities. He pointed to a surge in hate crimes against Muslims in Western countries, including vandalism of mosques, verbal harassment, and physical assaults. These incidents, he argued, reflect a broader trend of intolerance that threatens social cohesion and undermines the values of pluralism and diversity.
“Islamophobia is not just a problem for Muslim communities; it is a challenge to the principles of human rights and equality,” Fidan said. He called for a united response from OIC member states, including advocacy for stronger anti-discrimination laws and initiatives to promote interfaith dialogue. The minister also urged the international community to address the root causes of Islamophobia, including misinformation and negative stereotypes perpetuated by media and political rhetoric.
Turkey has positioned itself as a leading voice in the fight against Islamophobia, hosting international conferences and supporting initiatives to combat anti-Muslim sentiment. Fidan’s remarks at the OIC meeting reflect Turkey’s broader commitment to addressing this issue on the global stage, while also reinforcing its role as a defender of Muslim rights worldwide.
Cyprus and the Turkish Muslim Minority: A Continued Priority
Fidan also reiterated Turkey’s longstanding priorities in foreign policy, particularly the Cyprus issue and the rights of the Muslim Turkish minority in Western Thrace and the Dodecanese Islands. The Cyprus conflict, which has divided the island since 1974, remains a key focus for Ankara. Turkey supports the establishment of a two-state solution, with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) recognized as a sovereign entity. However, this position has faced resistance from the international community, which largely recognizes the Republic of Cyprus as the sole legitimate government.
Fidan called on OIC member states to support the rights of Turkish Cypriots and to establish direct contact with the TRNC. “The Turkish Cypriot people have endured decades of isolation and discrimination,” he said. “It is time for the international community to recognize their legitimate aspirations and engage with them directly.”
The minister also drew attention to the challenges faced by the Muslim Turkish minority in Western Thrace, a region in northern Greece, and the Turkish Muslim population in the Dodecanese Islands. According to Fidan, these communities face “serious violations” of their fundamental rights, including restrictions on religious freedom, education, and cultural expression. He cited specific examples, such as the closure of Turkish-language schools and limitations on the appointment of religious leaders, as evidence of systemic discrimination.
Turkey has long advocated for the rights of these communities, arguing that Greece’s policies violate international agreements, including the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, which guarantees the rights of the Muslim minority in Western Thrace. Fidan’s remarks signal Turkey’s intent to keep these issues on the international agenda, leveraging the OIC platform to garner support from Muslim-majority countries.
Turkey’s Broader Geopolitical Strategy
Fidan’s speech at the OIC meeting reflects Turkey’s broader geopolitical strategy, which seeks to position the country as a leading voice in the Muslim world while advancing its national interests. Under President Erdoğan, Turkey has pursued an assertive foreign policy, engaging in conflicts and diplomatic initiatives across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. The OIC, with its diverse membership and global influence, provides a critical platform for Turkey to amplify its message and build coalitions on issues ranging from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to Islamophobia and minority rights.
Turkey’s criticism of Israel aligns with its broader goal of challenging what it perceives as Western dominance in global affairs. By framing Israel as a “rogue actor” and calling for international action, Turkey seeks to rally support from Muslim-majority countries and other Global South nations disillusioned with the current international order. At the same time, Turkey’s focus on Cyprus and the Turkish Muslim minority reflects its commitment to protecting its diaspora and asserting its influence in the Mediterranean and beyond.
The minister’s emphasis on legal accountability through the ICJ and ICC also underscores Turkey’s strategy of using international institutions to advance its agenda. While Turkey has historically been critical of Western-dominated institutions, it has increasingly engaged with these bodies to address issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Islamophobia, recognizing their potential to shape global narratives and policies.
Regional and Global Implications
Fidan’s remarks carry significant implications for the Middle East and the broader international community. The Turkish foreign minister’s characterization of Israel as a “rogue actor” is likely to further strain Turkey-Israel relations, which have been volatile in recent years. While the two countries briefly normalized ties in 2022, the escalation of violence in Gaza and Turkey’s vocal criticism of Israel have reversed much of that progress. Fidan’s speech may also complicate Turkey’s relations with Western allies, particularly the United States, which remains a key supporter of Israel.
At the regional level, Turkey’s call for a unified OIC response to Israel’s actions could galvanize greater cooperation among Muslim-majority countries. However, the OIC’s ability to translate rhetoric into action has historically been limited by internal divisions and differing national priorities. For example, while countries like Turkey and Iran are vocal critics of Israel, others, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, have normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, creating a complex dynamic within the OIC.
Globally, Fidan’s speech underscores the growing polarization over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As international support for a two-state solution wanes and tensions in the Middle East escalate, the risk of broader conflict looms large. Turkey’s advocacy for legal accountability and its warnings about regional instability highlight the urgency of addressing these issues through diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
Conclusion
Hakan Fidan’s address at the OIC meeting represents a bold and comprehensive critique of Israel’s policies, reflecting Turkey’s broader ambitions in the Muslim world and beyond. By accusing Israel of pursuing a “Greater Israel” and destabilizing the region, Fidan has articulated a position that resonates with many OIC member states and aligns with Turkey’s strategic objectives. His calls for halting arms transfers, strengthening legal accountability, and addressing Islamophobia and minority rights demonstrate Turkey’s multifaceted approach to global challenges.
As the Middle East grapples with ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, Turkey’s leadership within the OIC signals its intent to play a central role in shaping the region’s future. However, the path forward will require navigating complex geopolitical realities, including tensions with Western powers, divisions within the Muslim world, and the challenge of translating rhetoric into meaningful action. For now, Fidan’s speech serves as a powerful reminder of the stakes involved in the quest for justice, stability, and peace in the Middle East and beyond.
